Introductory Topics in Sociology (276-0-20)

Topic

Introduction to Science and Technology Studies (ST

Instructors

Pariroo Rattan
Pariroo Rattan is a Weinberg College Postdoctoral Fellow in Science in Human Culture and the Department of Sociology at Northwestern University. Pariroo is a recent PhD graduate from Harvard University, where she was a Fellow in Science, Technology and Society (STS) program at HKS and received a secondary field in Music.

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 301: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

"Introduction to Science and Technology Studies (STS)"

Science and technology are implicated in some of the most pressing issues that face the contemporary world. What is the proper role of scientific experts in democratic policy-making? In what ways are climate change initiatives entangled with questions about distributive justice? If numbers are objective, why do public statistics seem to provoke more debates than they settle? In what sense is artificial intelligence a creature of modern capitalism? What kind of connection might there be between surveillance technologies and the history of colonialism? This course will introduce students to the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) by way of exploring these questions. We will tackle a diverse set of readings in STS, sociology, anthropology, history, philosophy, and law, and our geographical focus will range across the Global North and the Global South. All students who are interested in thinking outside of conventional disciplinary boundaries are welcome to enroll. Students who complete the course will be exposed to new perspectives on widely accepted ideas like scientific objectivity, technological progress and expertise. Together we will explore how we can make science and technology work for society's needs, rather than society working towards scientific and technological progress.

Learning Objectives

The objective of this course is to develop critical sensibilities and conceptual tools to study the social dimensions of science, technology and expertise.

Teaching Method

Lectures

Evaluation Method

Participation, Midterm, Final paper/project

Class Materials (Required)

All materials for this course will be made available on Canvas - no purchase necessary.

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area