Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Ethnographic Studies of Science and Technology
Code SOCI521
Coordinator Dr C Kierans
Public Health and Policy
C.Kierans@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 5

Aims

To introduce the student to ethnographic modes of inquiry in the social sciences

To demonstrate the importance of (a) social and cultural contexts for ethnographic analysis; (b) multi-method approaches, with emphasis on participant observation; (c) ethnographic writing as an academic convention

To provide an introduction to the field of science and technology studies, including major schools of thought, scholars and empirical concerns

 


Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the integrated character of methods, analysis and writing in ethnographic inquiry

Demonstrate an understanding of the role of foundational ethnographic texts in expanding the reach of science and technology within the social sciences.

Explain key theoretical and analytical concerns and arguments

Demonstrate an understanding of the range of methods bound up with ethnographic practice and the challenges associated with conducting ethnographic fieldwork in studies of science and technology

Prepare and conduct a short ethnographic study within a scientific/ technological context


Syllabus

Introduction to Science and Technology Studies

Following Controversies and a Methodological Principle

Working with Categories and Constructs

Science as Practice and Ordinary Action

 


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Lectures will be used to communicate the central theoretical, conceptual, analytical and methodological approaches underpinning ethnographic work in science and technology studies

Group Project - Group work will draw out discussion based on reading key texts and lecture materials

Field Work - Up to two hours of fieldwork will be organised within a scientific setting to provide the student with an opportunity to gain some direct experience of the production of scientific knowledge.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 5
Lectures will be used to communicate the central theoretical, conceptual, analytical and methodological approaches underpinning ethnographic work in science and technology studies
      2
Up to two hours of fieldwork will be organised within a scientific setting to provide the student with an opportunity to gain some direct experience of the production of scientific knowledge.
2
Group work will draw out discussion based on reading key texts and lecture materials
9
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 41
TOTAL HOURS 50

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  1500 word assignment  Semester 2  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) The assignment will be divided into two parts, with a maximum word count of 1500 words (a) Students will be asked to write an account of a one/two hour observation of scientific practice [e.g., observing a piece of laboratory work; a scientific demonstration; or scientific or medical lecture/presentation] (750 words) (b) Read and critically review one ethnographic monograph focused on scientific practice. A list of ethnographic studies will be provided, to support the observation in part (a) (750 words)  

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Hess, D. (1997) Science Studies: An Advanced Introduction. New York University Press.
Jasanoff, S. (1995) Handbook of Science and Technology Studies. Sage Publications
Latour, B.  (1988) Science in Action: How to Follow Scientists and Engineers Through Society. Harvard University Press.
Latour, B. and Woolgar, S. (1986) Laboratory Life: The Construction of Scientific Facts Princeton University Press.
Lynch, M. (1993) Scientific Practice and Ordinary Action: Ethnomethodology and Social Studies of Science. Cambridge University Press.

Petryna, Adriana (2004) Biological Citizenship: the science and politics of Chernobyl-Exposed Populations. Osiris 19, 250-265
Shapin, S. (1995) Here and Everywhere: Sociology of Scientific Knowledge. Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 21, pp. 289-321
Sismondo, S. (2010 2nd Edition) An Introduction to Science and Technology. Blackwell Publishing

Suchman, Lucy (2006) Human-Machine Configurations: Plans and Situated Actions. Cambridge University Press.

Suchman, Lucy (1999) Reconstructing Technology as Social Practice, American Behavioural Scientist (43 (3) 392-408.