COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 1 COT 700: Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology
Course Syllabus Fall, 2007 (3 credits) Tuesdays, 5:30-8:20 p.m., 107 Sill
Instructor:
Dr. Carol Haddad, Professor School of Technology Studies
Room 145 Sill Hall (departmental office is in 122 Sill) Tel: 734/487-‐1161; Fax: 487-‐7690
chaddad@emich.edu
Office hours: Mondays, 1-‐5 p.m., Tuesdays, 2-‐4 p.m; Wednesdays 1-‐5 pm., & by appointment
Course Description
This course serves as an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of technology by acquainting students with science, technology and society (STS) studies, and with technology philosophies and theoretical paradigms such as social constructivism, scientific rationalism, technological determinism, appropriate technology, technology ethics, and socio-technical systems theory. Students will apply these theoretical and analytical concepts to the study of technological systems.
Goals and Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the origins of science, technology and society (STS) as a field of study; 2. Recognize prominent organizations, journals and academic programs in STS studies; 3. Describe various conceptual frameworks for analyzing technology’s interaction with and
impact on individuals, organizations and society;
4. Apply these frameworks to critically analyze technologies described in assigned readings and lectures;
5. Comprehend how societal and organizational values can influence technology design, development and use; and
6. Lead class discussions and express themselves effectively and persuasively in written assignments.
Required Readings:
Cutcliffe, S.H., & Mitcham, C. (2001). Visions of STS: Counterpoints in science, technology and society studies. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Haddad, C.J. (2001). Managing Technological Change: A Strategic Partnership Approach. Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage Publications.
Hazeltine, B., & Bull, C. (1999). Appropriate technology: Tools, choices and implications. San Diego: Academic Press.
Kleinman, D. L. (2000). Science, technology and democracy. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Pool, R. (1997). Beyond engineering: How society shapes technology. New York: Oxford University Press.
Library readings as detailed in topical outline below.
NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to make changes in this syllabus upon notification of the class.
COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 2 Weekly Topics, Readings and Assignments:
Unit Date Topics, Required Readings and Assignments
1 Sep 11 Course and Doctoral Program Overview
Conceptual frameworks for technology-society analysis
Discussion leader assignments
2 Sep 18 Introduction to Science, Technology and Society (STS) Studies The value of STS to modern technology
Historical emergence of STS as a field of study
Interdisciplinary contributions to STS
Integration of ethics and values into the study of technology STS applications
Current and emerging directions for STS
STS associations, journals and programs
Required reading:
Cutcliffe, S.H. (1990). The STS Curriculum: What Have We Learned in Twenty Years? Science, Technology, & Human Values,
Vol. 15, No. 3 (Summer, 1990), pp. 360-372. Available online via in the Wilson JSTOR electronic database of the EMU Halle Library.
Cutcliffe, S.H., & Mitcham, C. (2001). Visions of STS:
Counterpoints in science, technology and society studies. Albany: State University of New York Press, Chapters 1-10 [entire book].
Optional reading: Cutcliffe, S.H. (2000). Ideas, machines and values: An introduction to science, technology and society studies. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. [entire book; on reserve at the EMU Halle Library]
3 Sep 25 Social Constructivism - Part I
Defining social constructivism
Case studies of societal influences on technology development Reading:
Pool (1997), Chapters 1-5.
Wajcman, J. (2002). Addressing Technological Change: The Challenge to Social Theory. Current Sociology, 50(3): 347-363. Available online at via the EMU Halle Library (search online journals by Current Sociology; see full text PDF).
4 Oct 2 Social Constructivism - Part II
Social and political influences on technology development Reading:
Pool (1997), Chapters 6-9
Winner, L. (1999). Do artifacts have politics? In MacKenzie, & Wajcman, op.cit. Available online at:
COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 3
http://web.archive.org/web/20030503061115/www-personal.si.umich.edu/~rfrost/courses/Women+Tech/readings/Winne r.html (cut and paste this link into your browser)
5 Oct 9 Technological Determinism
Defining technological determinism
Technological determinism's influence on technology development and popular thought
Required reading:
Woodruff, R. (2003). Artifacts, neutrality, and the ambiguity of “use”. In E. Katz, A. Light, and W. Thompson. Controlling
Technology: Contemporary Issues. 2nd edition. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. (pp. 29-33 of coursepack).
Merkel, K.G. (2000). Engineering technology and technological determinism. Journal of Engineering Technology, 17(1): 23-25.
Available online via the EMU library from the Wilson Select Plus database.
6 Oct16 Essay #1 Work Week (no class) – Essay Due on 10/23
7 Oct 23 Appropriate Technology (AT)
"Appropriate technology" as a concept and social movement Applications of AT principles in the US and developing world Required reading:
Hazeltine, B., & Bull, C. (1999). Appropriate technology: Tools, choices and implications. San Diego: Academic Press. (entire book)
8 Oct 30 Socio-Technical Systems (STS) Theory
Origins and applications of STS theory STS in today's managerial context Required reading:
Apelbaum, S.H. (1997). Socio-technical systems theory: an intervention strategy for organizational development. Management Decision, 35(6): 452. Available online in the ABI Inform database of First Search.
Keating, C.B., Fernandez, A.A., Jacobs, D.A., and Kauffmann, P. (2001). A methodology for analysis of complex sociotechnical processes. Business Process Management Journal, 7(1): 33. Available online in the ABI Inform database of First Search.
Farias, G. and Varma, A. (2000). Integrating job characteristics, socio-technical systems and reengineering: presenting a unified approach to work and organization design. Organization
COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 4 Development Journal, 18(3): 11-25. Available online in the ABI Inform database of First Search.
Land, F. (1999). Evaluation in a socio-technical context. Department of Information Systems, London School of Economics and Political Science, Working Paper Series 76. Available online at: http://is2.lse.ac.uk/wp/pdf/WP76.PDF
Bhatt, G.D. (2001). Knowledge management in organizations: examining the interaction between technologies, techniques and people. Journal of Knowledge Management, 5(1): 68-75. Available in the EMU library online databases.
9 Nov 6 AT and Socio-Technical Systems Approaches to Technology
Management
Required reading:
Haddad, C.J. (2001). Managing Technological Change: A Strategic Partnership Approach. Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage Publications.
10 Nov 13 Essay #2 Work Week (no class) – Essay Due on Nov 20
11 Nov 20 Technology and Ethics
Overview of ethical theory MOT ethics
Ethical implications of contemporary technologies Required reading:
Shrader-Frechette, K., & Westra, L. (Eds.). (1997). Technology and values. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, pp. 3-33 & 37-54.
Haddad, C.J. (2005). An integrative framework for MOT ethics
(unpublished manuscript)
Boatright, J. R. (2003). Ethics for a post-Enron America. Phi Kappa Phi Forum, 83(2), 10-15.
Herkert, J. R. (2003). Back to the Future: Engineering, Computing and Ethics. Phi Kappa Phi Forum, 83(2), 34-38.
Murray, T. H. (2003). New Challenges in Bioethics: Medicine, Technology and Justice. Phi Kappa Phi Forum, 83(2), 39-43.
Lockhart, T. (1996). Technological fixes for moral dilemmas.
Philosophy and Technology, 1(3-4). Available online via the journal website.
12 Nov 27 Technology and Democracy
COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 5
Public participation in scientific and technological development Science and public policy
Democratization of science and technology Required reading:
Kleinman (2000), entire book
13 Dec 4 Research Paper Work Week (no class) - Research Paper Due on
12/11
14 Dec 11 Research Paper Reports – Research Papers Due
15 Dec 18 Research Paper Reports & Course Wrap-Up
Assignments and Evaluation Procedures Presentation – 20 points
You must make a presentation about course readings and lead class discussion once during the semester. Eligible weeks that you may select are: 3-6 and 8-12. Your presentation must include the following elements: 1) a critical analysis, based on an accurate interpretation of the author or authors’ central arguments; 2) discussion of a scholarly article (preferably peer-‐reviewed) or book chapter that supports or refutes the points of view in the assigned reading(s); a complete citation to the article must be posted on the eCompanion website, by the Monday before the class meeting; 3) application of the principles in the required readings to real-‐life situations or dilemmas; and 4) presentation of four questions pertaining to the readings for that week, and facilitation of small or large group discussion of those questions. You will be graded on the skill with which you critically analyze course readings, the quality and relevance of the
article/book chapter, and on the content of your questions, in particular the extent to which they probe key themes raised by the readings.
Analytical Essays – 40 points
On September 18 I will distribute 2 separate analytical essay assignments, which will be due on the dates specified in the syllabus. The assignment will specify the question that each essay must address, the technical requirements for each essay, and the grading criteria. Each essay will have a maximum point value of 20 points.
Research Paper – 30 points
A research paper of 14-16 typewritten pages in length (double-spaced, excluding bibliography) must be submitted at the start of class on 12/12/06. The paper must address the central question: which of the theoretical frameworks studied throughout this course pertaining to technology design, development and use do you find most compelling and why? Further guidelines for this assignment will be distributed in class. The paper must be analytical in nature, meaning that you must critically analyze key arguments and points in the assigned readings and other books and
COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 6
articles that you identify through library research, rather than merely repeating those points. It is expected that your paper and bibliography will cite at least 14 scholarly articles and books, at least 7 of which are not required readings for this course. Please note that plagiarism is grounds for an “E” on the paper.
Class Discussion – 10 points
Each week, you will be expected to present your reactions to each of the assigned readings. You will be graded on your ability to summarize the key points of each reading and to respond to specific questions about the readings posed by the discussion leader(s) and the instructor, and on the frequency with which you make thoughtful and analytical contributions to class discussions. In order to
participate effectively in discussions, you must attend each of the class sessions. Grading Scale: Points Letter Grade 94+ A 91-93 A- 87-90 B+ 82-86 B 78-81 B- 74-77 C+ 70-73 C 66-69 C- 61-65 D 60 and below E
Supplemental Reading List
Alcorn, P. A. (2003). Social issues in technology. A format for investigation. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Aikenhead, G.S. (1998). An analysis of four ways of assessing student beliefs about STS topics.
Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 25(8), 607-629.
Barnes, B. (1996). Scientific knowledge: A sociological analysis. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Berner, B. (Ed.). (1997). Feminist studies of technology and society. Linköping, Sweden: Department of Technology and Social Change, Linköping University.
Bragaw, D.H. (1992). Science, Technology, and Society, Is there room for another imperative? Theory Into Practice, 31 (1), 4-12.
Bridgstock, M. (1998). Science, technology, and society: An introduction. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 7
Collins, H., & Pinch, T. (2002). The golem at large: What you should know about technology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Cooper, S. (2003). Techno culture and critical theory in the service of the machine? London, NY: Routledge.
Cutcliffe, S.H. (1990a). The STS curriculum, What have we learned in twenty years? Science, Technology, & Human Values, 15 (3), 360-372.
Dierkes, M., Hoffmann, U., & Marz, L. (1996). Visions of technology: Social and institutional factors shaping the development of new technologies. New York: St. Martin's Press.
Durbin, P.T. (1991). Defining STS, Can we reach consensus? Bulletin of Science, Technology, & Society, 9, 187-190.
Easton, T.A. (2002). Taking sides. Clashing views on controversial issues in science, technology, and society. Guilford, Connecticut: McGraw Hill/Dushkin.
Engelbert, P. (2002). Science, technology, and society: The impact of science in the 20th century. Detroit: UXL.
Feenberg, A. (2002). Transforming technology. A critical theory revisited. New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Ferkiss, V. (1993). Nature, technology and society: Cultural roots of the current environmental crisis. New York: New York University Press.
Fuller, S. (1992). STS as social movement, On the purpose of graduate programs. Science, Technology, & Society Newsletter, (91), 1-5.
Haddad, C.J. (2002). Managing technological change: A strategic partnership approach. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Hague, B. N., & Loader, B. (Eds.). (1999). Digital democracy: Discourse and decision making in the information age. New York: Routledge.
Hodson, D. (2001). OISE papers in STSE education. Ontario: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.
Hughes, T. P. (1998). Rescuing Prometheus. New York: Pantheon Books.
Katz, E., Light, A., & Thompson, W. (Eds.). (2003). Controlling technology: Contemporary issues. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books.
Klein, J.T. (2001). Transdisciplinarity: Joint problem solving among science, technology, and society: An effective way for managing complexity. Basel, Boston: Birkhauser.
Kowal, J. (1991). Science, technology, and human values, A curricular approach. Theory Into Practice, 30(4), 267-272.
COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 8
Kranzberg, M. (1991). Science-technology-society: It’s as simple as xyz! Theory Intro Practice, 30 (4), 234-241.
Krige, J., & Pestre, D. (Eds.) (2003). Companion to science in the twentieth century. London, New York: Routledge.
Krige, J., & Pestre, D. (Eds.) (1997). Science in the twentieth century. Australia: Harwood Academic Publishers.
Kumar, David D., & Chubin, D.E. (Eds.) (2000). Science, technology and society. A sourcebook on research and practice. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.
Latour, B. (1988). Science in action: How to follow scientists and engineers through society. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
MacKenzie, D. A. (2001). Mechanizing proof: Computing , risk and trust (inside technology). Cambridge: MIT Press.
May, W.T. (1992). What are the subjects of STS-Really? Theory Into Practice, 31(1), 73-83. Pacey, A. (1999). Meaning in technology. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Paul, D. B. (1998). The politics of heredity: Essays on eugenics, biomedicine, and the nature-nurture debate. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Postman, N. (1992). Technolopoly. The surrender of culture to technology. New York: Vintage Books, Random House.
Sassower, R. (1997). Technoscientific angst: Ethics and responsibility. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
Sclove, R. E. (1995). Democracy and technology. New York: Guilford Press.
Segerstale, U. (2000). Beyond the science wars the missing discourse about science and society.
Albany: State University York Press.
Teich, A. H. (2003). Technology and the future. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson.
Tsagarousianou, R., Tabmini, D., & Bryan, C. (1998). Cyberdemocracy: Technology, cities and civic networks. London, New York: Routledge.
Volti, R. (2001). Society and technological change. New York: Worth Publishers.
Volti, R. (1999). The facts on file encyclopedia of science, technology, and society. New York, NY: Facts on File.
Westrum, R. (1991). Technologies and society. The shaping of people and things. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co.
Winner, L. (1993). Upon opening the black box and finding it empty: Social constructivism and the philosophy of technology. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 18(3), 362-378.
COTD 700 – Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Study of Technology 9
Winner, L. (1995). The enduring dilemmas of autonomous technique. Bulletin of Science, Technology, & Society, 15(2-3), 67-72.
Yager, R.E. (1990). The STS movement in the U.S., Its origin, evolution, and rationale. Social Education, 54(4), 198-200.
