SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY COURSE OUTLINE
WHAT IS STS? (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY)
Science, Technology and Society is an interdisciplinary GE course that examines past, present and future of science and technology in society (including their nature, scope, role and function) and the social, cultural, political, economic and environmental factors affecting the development of science and technology, with emphasis on the Philippine setting. As the 21st century is deeply influenced by science and technology and society is constructed as well as, constructs technology, STS is considered a capstone GE offering: as an interdisciplinary field it brings the students to a full circle of exploring and appreciating, seeing diverse perspectives and being able to make connections, and critical thinking and ethical acting on the multidimensional ways science and technology shape values, culture, and institutions, and vice versa. STS will make good use of local and practical examples to dissect and illustrate the two-way influence of science and technology with society. There are four main themes in STS: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Science history, society and philosophy Science in daily life Science and other disciplines Science and technology in national development
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, the student should be able to 1. Explain the creative processes of science and technology 2. Relate science to other disciplines and cultures 3. Discuss the influences of past and current scientific and technological developments on Philippine and global society 4. Analyze the societal influences on developments in science and technology at the local and global settings 5. Evaluate the roles of science and technology in Philippine regional and national development. 6. Examine and critique STS issues and commit to a stand or an action. COURSE OUTLINE
Course Outline: I. Overview ( 9 hours) A.
B.
Historical antecedents where social considerations changed the course of science and technology 1. In the World: Ancient, Middle and Modern Ages 1. In the Philippines Intellectual revolutions that defined society 1. Copernican
C.
2. Darwinian 3. Freudian 4. Information 5. Meso-American 6. Asian 7. Middle East 8. African Frameworks and paradigms of/in S & T
Learning Outcomes • • •
Describe the interactions between S&T and society throughout history; Identify the paradigm shifts in history that have shaped science and technology Identify the different ways of looking at and theorizing S&T
II.
Interaction of Science, Technology, and Society through time (24 hours) A. B. C.
Science in Art and culture; Science in Everyday Life (food prep and preservation, transportation, communication, health and wellness, leisure and recreation. Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society 1. The Arts (Visual, Fine Arts, etc.) 2. Health, Wellness and Aesthetics (nutrition, cosmetics, etc.) 3. Sports and recreation 4. Industry, Agriculture, Fisheries and Commerce 5. Policy and governance 6. “Techno culture” 7. Environment 8. Information and Communication 9. Infrastructure 10. Space Exploration 11. Conflict situation (warfare, security, surveillance, etc.) 12. Energy 13. Religion 14. Disciplines of knowledge (reshaping disciplinal domains and knowledge cultures)
Learning Outcomes To familiarize the students with the different aspects (social, political, economic, cultural, environmental) and impacts of science, technology and society; To cite and discuss cases or examples of promises and challenges of S & T on society; To evaluate and recommend appropriate responses to STS problems and issues
III.
Science and Technology in National Development ( 9 hours) A. The Philippine Government S&T Agenda B. Major development programs and personalities in S&T in the Philippines C. Science education in the Philippines D. „Brain drain‟ versus „brain circulation‟: migration of scientists E. Selected indigenous science and technologies
Learning Outcomes Examine programs, communities and individuals involved in regional, national and international S&T development Discuss the influences of past and current scientific and technological developments on the global human society and on the Filipino society; Analyze the societal influences on developments in science and technology at the global and local perspectives Assess and evaluate the roles of science and technology in Philippine national development; and Allow the students to actively and critically engage in understanding the dynamics of STS.
IV.
Contemporary Issues and Future Developments in Science, Technology and Society (6 hours) Suggested Topics: 1. The valuation of technology 2. Dealing with technological change: 3. blurring the distinction between reality and virtuality; 4. blurring of the distinction between human, machine and nature; 5. the reversal from information scarcity to information abundance; 6. the shift from primacy of entities to the primacy of interactions 7. The shift of knowledge production from the university to other institutions (e.g. corporations, non-governmental institutions)
Learning Outcomes • Enable the student to examine Philippine S & T and explore various stands or actions References and Resources: REQUIREMENTS
Two examinations (1 midterm, 1 prefinal) Quizzes Reaction papers/essays Class presentations
50 points each, total 100 10 points each 10 points each 50 points each
Points will be added and the grade will be based on the percentage of the final total of points as per the requirements of the course GRADING SYSTEM:
1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2.0 2.25 2.5 2.75 3.0
= 100-96% = 95-91% = 90-86% = 85-81% = 80-76% = 76-71% = 70-66% = 65-61% = 60%
CLASS MANAGEMENT
1. 2. 3. 4.
Come to class early. Always sign the attendance sheet No eating or drinking in the auditorium Cheating will be dealt with strictly.
