Postgraduate Course: Development, Science and Technology (SSPS11003)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | The course seeks to draw on theory and practice from science and technology studies and development studies in understanding the role scientific and technological knowledge and technologies play in shaping development, and vice versa, in less-developed regions of the world. The course will first take a historical perspective to answer questions concerning how western science spread around the world so effectively and how did colonial governments made use of scientific knowledge and technology. Further we will explore how colonised peoples reacted to, and contribute to scientific research and technological development. We will consider the role of science and technology in transitions to independent governance and the 'postcolonial'. Throughout the course we will be asking what the potential is for science and technology to make sustainable contributions to global development today. |
| Course description |
Indicative Weekly Themes
1. Definitions of Development
2. The role of Western Science and Technology in Development
3. The New International Development Agencies
4. Science and Technology, Technocracy and Development
5. The role of users, their cultural practices and the introduction of a new technology
6. Technology Transfer/Knowledge Impasse- The case-study of M-Pesa
7. Global and Local Biofuel Networks
8. The trajectory of the Green Revolution ¿ rethinking the
development trajectory
9. Risks of Socio-technical development initiatives
10. The open market/free market regulation and its impact on technology
and development (or) Science, Health and Development (or) Gender and
Science in Development
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts of science and technology studies and development studies
- Be able to offer their own analyses of the practices of international development using these theories principles and concepts
- Gain experience in dealing with primary and secondary source materials and learn to critically review and assess these materials
- Develop the ability to use these materials and methods to critically examine the role of science and technology in development policy and offer their own analyses
- Be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues in science, technology and international development
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Lawrence Dritsas
Tel: (0131 6)50 4011
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Morag Wilson
Tel: (0131 6)51 5122
Email: |
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