This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The course aims to develop an empirically grounded and theoretically engaged understanding of key debates in the contemporary governance of science and technology. It is interdisciplinary, bringing together perspectives from across the social sciences, science & engineering and the humanities to explore the social, political, economic and ethical implications of scientific progress. It takes on a global perspective and identifies key actors and processes in the normalization of scientific practice. Indicative topics include:
• From sociobiology to biosociality: Introduction to the social studies of science
• The captain and the steward: Changing relations of scientific and political authorities
• Global harmonization of national policies: Examples from life sciences and climate sciences
• Institutionalization of knowledge and non-knowing
• Bio-terror versus bio-error: Biosecurity after synthetic biology
• Bioethics and the domestication of technology
• The political economy of biopower
• 'Communities of fate': governmentality and biological citizenship
• Better-off when handicapped? Boundaries and fairness in human enhancement
• The art of representing science: The role of art and new media in scientific outreach
• The cosmopolitanisation of science: Dependence and interdependence of world innovation
Contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 178
Total hours: 200
Optional module for
MA in Sociology
MA in Political Sociology
and for specific programmes outside SSPSSR including
MA Science, Medicine, Environment & Technology
MSc Science, Communication & Society
Main assessment methods
Coursework – essay (4000 words) – 80%
Coursework seminar presentation (10 minutes) -20%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
David, M (2005) Science in Society. Palgrave
Drori G.S., Meyer J.W., Ramirez F.O. and Schofer E. (2003), Science in the Modern World Polity: Institutionalization and Globalization. Stanford University Press.
Fukuyama, F (2002) Our Posthuman Future. Picador
Jasanoff, S (2005) Designs on Nature. Science and Democracy in Europe and the United States. Princeton
Latour, B (1988) Science in Action: How to Follow Scientists and Engineers Through Society. Harvard University Press
Ong, A and Chen N.N (2011) Asian Biotech: Ethics and Communities of Fate. Duke University Press
Rose, N (2007) The Politics of Life Itself. Princeton
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Be familiar with the historical context of contemporary social ambivalence toward emerging science and technologies.
8.2 Understand the key debates and main actors in shaping scientific practice.
8.3 Take on an interdisciplinary approach in assessing the impact of science, and assess the value of the range of research methods
8.4 Apply key theories of science and technology studies (STS) to the analysis of contemporary issues and critically evaluate the effectiveness
of different forms of scientific governance.
8.5 Understand both the limit and strength of social sciences and natural sciences
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Communicate ideas to both academic and general audiences in written and oral media.
9.2 Demonstrate skills of critical thinking and evaluation, particularly on competing interpretations of scientific risks.
9.3 Synthesise and evaluate knowledge from different disciplines and schools of thoughts.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
