University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJM4-30-M Title: SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

Version: 1

Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2007 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

      • Analyse the historical development and social contexts of public attitudes to science and technology

      • Analyse the problematic relationship between science and society

      • Explore the boundaries between the disciplines that contribute to the communication of science

      • Critically assess the potential of a variety of science communication activities to contribute to informal learning about science

      • Develop a reflexive approach to the practice of science communication

Syllabus outline:

    This module explores the relationship between science and society. The boundaries between science and society will be explored using a series of case studies (for example, GM, MMR, prenetal genetic testing etc.) examing controversial areas of science and technology. Each case study will be used as a perspective on a different type of theortical approach, including debates around risk, citizenship, gender and knowledge.

    The concept of 'publics' will be investigated. This will be viewed from several angles including a discussion of the shift from ‘public understanding’ to ‘public engagement’ where the historical construction of science communication will be discussed.

    Students will also explore the role of informal learning, characteristics of informal learning and its contribution to science communication. This will form a backdrop for later sessions on mass and direct communication methods, and provide students with an opportunity to think reflexively from the outset of the course.

Teaching and learning methods:

    The module will be taught in block teaching sessions. During the intensive teaching sessions, material will be delivered through a variety of lecture, seminar and workshop sessions. Case studies will be used to examine controversial science. Students will be expected to take an active role in developing and running workshop and seminar sessions. The intensive teaching periods will be supplemented by guided and independent reading to provide suitable background on the subject and examine theoretical concepts in detail.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

      • Allan, S (2002). Media, Risk and Society, Open University Press: Buckingham.

      • Shortland M, Gregory, J (1991). Communicating Science: a handbook, Longman: Harlow.

      • Gregory, J, Miller, S (1998). Science in Public: communication, culture and credibility, Plenum: New York.

      • Bucci, M. (2002) Science in Society: an introduction to social studies of science. Routledge: London.

      • Yearley, S. (2005) Making Sense of Science: Understanding the Social Study of Science. Sage: London.

      • Friedman, SM, Dunwoody, S, Rogers, CL eds (1999). Communicating Uncertainty: Media coverage of new and controversial science, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates: Mahwah, NJ.

    Journals

      • New Scientist

      • Nature

      • Science Communication, Sage

      • Public Understanding of Science,Sage

      • Journal of Science Communication, http://jcom.sissa.it/archive

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX1

Essay, controlled conditions (2 hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

WA1

Written assignment and reflective log (3000 words)

1

   

     
 

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX1

Essay, controlled conditions (2 Hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

WA1

Written assignment and reflective log (3000 words)

1

     
     
 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is not required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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