HPSC0105

We explore the complex relationship between science, technology and society, including key sociological accounts of the processes by which knowledge is constructed and validated.

Sociology of Science and Technology

The aim of this course is examine the sociological contribution to the analysis of science and technology, mainly focusing on science. 

The course introduces main currents of thought and important empirical studies that have been influential in sociology of science. The focus is equally on contemporary and historical cases. By the end of this module students should: (1) Have an understanding of how science works as a social process i.e. how technical knowledge is produced by communities, (2) Have a detailed knowledge of the main theories in the sociology of science, (3) Be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of a range of sociological approaches to the analysis of science and technology, and (4) Be able to make links between sociological analyses of science and broader debates in science policy, history of science and philosophy of science.

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Course Objectives:

The aim of this course is to undertake a detailed examination of the sociological contribution to the analysis of science. It examines the complex relationship between science and society and also takes a sociological look at the process by which knowledge is constructed. The course introduces students to the main currents of thought which have been influential in sociology of science through both historical and contemporary studies.

By the end of this course you should:

• Have an understanding of how science works as a social process i.e. how technical knowledge is produced by communities
• Have a detailed knowledge of the main theories in the sociology of science
• Be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of a range of sociological approaches to the analysis of science
• Begin to see links between sociological analyses of science and broader debates in science policy, history of science and philosophy of science

Although this course will draw on more general arguments and ideas in sociology, you will not be expected to become an expert in all of these wider debates. I have provided some reading for any one who wishes to place each topic in a broader sociological context.

UCL Module Catalogue: Sociology of Science and Technology (HPSC0105)