Monash University Education Handbook, 1997

GED4828

Technology, science and society

Dr P L Gardner

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed understanding of the historical evidence and philosophical arguments about the nature of science-technology relationships; deepened understanding of recent developments in a selected number of science or technology areas (eg telecommunications); developed a conceptual framework for considering how society affects science and technology, as well as how science and technology affect society; written draft instructional materials for use in schools which reflect concerns about science, technology and society.

Synopsis There has been a growing international trend during the past two decades for school science curricula to emphasise the relationships of science to technology and to the wider social setting. More recently, technology educators have sought to broaden the content of technology studies from a narrow concern with vocational skills training. Modern technology studies curricula seek to develop design and problem-solving skills and to emphasise the links between technology and other fields. The subject has two major goals: to develop teachers' understanding of the complex interrelationships among these three areas, and to enhance their ability to develop curricula and instructional approaches suitable for schools science and technology students. The subject will explore the nature of science and technology and their historical development; the characteristics of contemporary science and technology; the influence of technology and science on modern society, and the reverse influence of modern society on technology and science.

Assessment Three assignments (2000 words each): 33% each

Prescribed texts

McGinn R E Science, technology and society Prentice-Hall, 1991

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