HPSC0007

Investigating the Sociology and Politics of Science

Course Syllabus

2024-25

Course Information

In this module we will read and discuss some of the foundational work in the classical and post-classical discipline of sociology, with particular attention to the ways in which this has informed research within Science and Technology Studies. At the same time, we will situate and critique classical sociology within modernist and colonialist projects, and look at emerging post-sociological, frameworks for understanding science and technology in society: decolonial, posthuman, queer and care-full.

Aims & Objectives

Aims:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to sociologically foundational literatures for science and technology studies (STS). The first half of the module, broadly, covers classical theorists, while the second part of the module deconstructs their frameworks from decolonial, posthuman, queer and care-full perspectives. We consider how recent and contemporary STS topics are informed by both classical and decolonialized theory.

Objectives:

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• Identify and explain key concepts in classical and post-classical sociology;

• Understand how STS has developed theoretically through engagement with classical and post-classical sociology;

• Understand the critical challenge brought to key classical sociological concepts by decolonial, queer, posthuman and care-full approaches;

• Understand at least one example of how STS has integrated the challenge of critique

• Create relevant and critical bibliographies in the sociology of science;

• Present their work effectively in written formats;

• Apply the knowledge gained to interrogate the imprint of power and domination in our daily lives.