Science, Knowledge and Expertise

Focussing on science, this course introduces theoretical approaches, concepts and key empirical studies that form the canon and state-of-the-art in research and critical thinking in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies. It introduces students to important social science perspectives for understanding scientific practice, knowledge and expertise and their role in the modern world. Rather than taking science, knowledge and expertise as 'given', this course critically explores these categories to show how they are both constituted by and constitutive of modern society. Starting from the question 'what is science?' the course analyses the ineradicably social character of scientific knowledge and practice. It goes on to investigate a number of key issues regarding science's role in society, from everyday life to public policy, including the relationship of science to gender, to public debate, and to globalisation. In doing so, the course introduces students to a range of core theoretical, conceptual and methodological perspectives from the field of science studies, and shows how such perspectives can illuminate empirical issues such as nuclear accidents, climate change and cosmology. 

Credit Level: 11 Year taken: Postgraduate