HPSC0007

Investigating Sociology and Politics of Science

In the module you will be introduced to the central questions of science studies past and present. Is there a specific culture of science? What is the relationship between science and political power? Is science a male field? Is science Western? You will be introduced to the main research methods that have aided scholars address those key questions and probe the practice of science and its place within culture and the polity. You will learn some of the basic steps for preparing and conducting robust original research and be encouraged to critically evaluate the appropriateness of evidence to argument in published works.

Course Objectives:

• Identity and use key concepts in sociology and political science;
• Identify and describe key problems in the sociology and politics of science;
• Be able to differentiate between a social problem and a research problem;
• Demonstrate effective researching and critical reading skills;
• Be able to conduct a critical analysis of academic texts and report such analyses persuasively and coherently;
• Create relevant and critical bibliographies in the sociology and politics of science;
• Present their work effectively in written formats;
• Demonstrate critical and constructive self and peer evaluation;
• Work effectively on their own or in class collaboration and interaction;
•  Apply the knowledge gained to interrogate the imprint of power and domination in our daily lives.

UCL Module Catalogue: Investigating Sociology and Politics of Science (HPSC0007)