Managing Science and Technology in Society

Doel vak

In this course, students:

• acquire knowledge and understanding of philosophical and social science theories about the mutual shaping of science and technology in society
• acquire knowledge and understanding of basic concepts, issues, and approaches in the field of science and technology studies
• acquire knowledge and understanding of ways in which technology can be democratized and made responsive to societal concerns and expectations
• acquire knowledge and understanding of interactive methods to direct and guide developments in science and technology
• learn to connect basic STS concepts to their own life worlds - and vice versa
• learn to communicate verbally and in scientific writing about their knowledge and understanding and to critically reflect on their own perspectives

Inhoud vak

The ‘Managing Science and Technology in Society’ course offers an advanced introduction to the academic field of ‘Science Technology & Society Studies’ (Science and Technology Studies), as part of the second year of the master ‘Management,

Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship for the Health and Life Sciences’.

As a MPA student you are trained to operate at the interface of your natural science discipline and society, thereby making a contribution to answering the complex problems arising in these areas. At the dawn of the 21st century, technology and science have an enormous potential for transforming life on earth. At the same time, the dimensions of our human culture shape the directions in which science and technology develop. The production of scientific knowledge and technological objects can solve some of our problems, while giving rise to new challenges. During this course you will study the interactions of science and technology with society, and the various ways in which they mutually shape one another. These interactions invoke a lot of questions. Should we embrace big data? How do new human reproductive technologies interfere with the way we deal with sexuality and social responsibilities? How can we innovate responsibly?

In this course you will be introduced to a conceptual framework to critically and reflexively assess these kinds of questions. The course aims at understanding the intertwinement of science, technology and society, and underscores the importance of a broad concern with these interactions, in order to shape collective futures that take into account societal concerns and expectations.

Aanvullende informatie onderwijsvormen

‘Managing Science and Technology in Society’ is a fulltime course of eight weeks (6 ECTS). The course schedule is available on Canvas. The total study time is 168 hours. Tuition methods include lectures, work groups, a group project and self-study. The different elements have the following study time: lectures 22 hours; work groups 12 hours; group project 32 hours; self study (including mini-essays) 86 hours; examination (on-campus) 2.5 hours.

Toetsvorm

The examination consists of:

• Mini-essay 1 (10%)
• Mini-essay 2 (10%)
• Final essay (take-home essay exam) (50%)
• SCOB-project (30%)

Both the essay exam and the SCOB project need to be passed.

Vereiste voorkennis

• Additional Information Target Audience:
• This course is also part of the Studypath Science, Society and Communication. Students from the faculty of science can follow this course as an elective.
• Entry Requirements:
• Participation in a Master program of the VU Science faculty. Additional background reading might be required if the student comes from another Master program than MPA.
• Background reading:
• For non-MPA students, please get in touch with the course coordinator to discuss potential background readings.

Literatuur

The reading material for this course can be found in Canvas.

Aanvullende informatie doelgroep

This is a compulsory course for second year students of the master Management, Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship in the Health and Life Sciences. The course is optional for other Master students in the health and life sciences.

Overige informatie

Use of Generative AI (GenAI)

This course follows the BETA Faculty policy on GenAI use. Use

GenAI responsibly and in line with the VU academic integrity policy and the VU recommendations on responsible use of GenAI.