This is an
introduction to the field of Science and Technology
Studies, which studies the relations among science,
technology, and society from an interdisciplinary matrix
of historical, philosophical, sociological, and cultural
viewpoints. In the first part of the course, we
will consider how early 20th century philosophers of
science attempted to describe the method and content of
science and technology. We will then consider how
Kuhn injected history into such attempts, and how more
recent authors have attempted to inject sociology into
the mix. In the last part of the course, we will
consider an example of a work in STS.
This semester it will be a cultural
history of technology in 19th century Great Britain.
II.
Required
Reading
1.
[S]Sismondo,
S. (2010) An
Introduction
to Science and Technology Studies,
Blackwell Press.
2.
[GS]Godfrey-Smith,
P.
(2003) Theory
and Reality, Univ. of Chicago Press.
3.
[K]Kuhn,
T. (1996) The
Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Univ.
of Chicago Press.
4.
[MS]Marsden,
B. and C. Smith (2007) Engineering
Empires:A Cultural History of Technology in
19th Century Britian, Palgrave Macmillan.
Attendance
is mandatory.Throughout the semester we will be
reading and discussing topics and methods in
Science and Technology Studies.15% of
your course grade will be based on participation
in these discussions and attendance during
lectures.
2.
Three papers of 5-7 pages.Suggested
topics are provided at least 2 weeks before
their due dates.
(a)
All papers must
conform to writing guidelines that
will be discussed in class.
(b)
Late paper policy:Late
papers will be given an initial
penalty of a third of a grade point,
and a further penalty of a third of a
grade point for every period of 4 days
after the due date.Example:An
A paper turned in one day late will
receive an A-; an A paper turned in 4
days late will receive a B+; an A
paper turned in 8 days late will
receive a B; etc.
Late
papers will not be accepted after
the date of the final.
3.
Sevenquizzes
will be given at the beginning of class on the
dates listed below.These
will consist of 3 or 4 questions from the
study guide questions.You
will have 15 minutes to complete them.The
best 6 of 7 quizz grades will count toward
your total quiz grade.
4.
One midterm
and one final
will be given.These will consist of short answer
questions and short essay questions.The
midterm will be 1hr 20min, while the final
will be 3hr.Both will be closed-notes, closed-text.Please
be aware that rest-room breaks are prohibited
during examinations.
IV.
Grade
Distribution
Participation:
15%
Papers: 30% total
(3@10%)
Quiz:
15% total
Midterm: 20%
Final:
20%
V. Reminders on University Policies 1. Incompletes. It is
university and TCS departmental policy that incompletes
can be given only in very extenuating circumstances
(medical emergencies, etc.).
In particular, an incomplete cannot be given because of a
heavy course load, job commitments, or because you've
simply fallen behind in the course. For this reason,
you must attend every lecture and make sure you're aware
of assignment deadlines and exam dates. If for
whatever reason you find yourself falling behind during
the semester, do not hesitate to see the instructor as
soon as possible.
2. University
Honor System. All students should be aware
of the university policy on cheating and plagiarism.
Cheating on an exam, or plagiarizing on an essay
assignment, are sufficient reasons for receiving an F in
the course.
3. Moses Statement.If you
are student with a disability who is requesting
accommodations, please contact New York University’s
Moses Center for Students with Disabilities
at 212-998-4980 or mosescsd@nyu.edu.
You must be registered with CSD to receive
accommodations. Information about
the Moses Center can be found at
www.nyu.edu/csd. The Moses Center is located
at 726 Broadway, 2nd floor.
VI. Class Schedule
The following schedule may need to be revised over the
course of the semester. The reading assignments
should be completed by the date on which they appear.
Week 1
Tues 9/5.Introduction
[GS] Introduction.
Thurs
9/7. Logic
Plus Empiricism
[GS] Chap 2
Week 2
Tues
9/12.Logic
Plus Empiricism, cont.
[S] Chap 1.
9/14.Induction and
Confirmation.
[GS] Chap 3. QUIZ1.
Week 3
9/19.Induction
and Confirmation, cont.
9/21.Popper:
Conjecture & Refutation.
[GS] Chap 4.
Week 4
9/26.Immature
Science. [GS] Chap 5; [K]
Chaps 1-2, Postscript Sec. 1.