Foundations of Environmental Sciences III

Science, Technology and Society

In this course, students learn about STS (Science, Technology and Society) through case studies. What is this called science? How can we manage the conflicts between S&T and Society? Who are the experts? These questions appear in various issues around us, such as the pandemic of COVID-19, environmental problems, disasters, and governance of emerging technologies. In this course, we learn about, and discuss cases from STS perspectives. Students are required to do their own case analysis in their final report.

MIMA Search

授業計画

The following information is a plan and is subject to change to some extent depending on circumstances. 1. Introduction 2. What is science? Scientists and scientific knowledge 3. Fukushima and nuclear power plants in Japan 4. Minamata Disease, Itai-itai disease (Kogai) 5. HIV-tainted-blood scandal 6. BSE 7. Information technology 8. Concepts and theories. Tips for presentation 9. Student presentations 10. Student presentations 11. Student presentations 12. Student presentations 13. Reflection. Tips for final report

授業の方法

Lectures, discussions, student presentations

成績評価方法

Attendance and presentation (30%) Final report (70%) Presentation and final report are required to obtain the credits for this course.

教科書

Yuko Fujigaki (ed.) (2015). Lessons from Fukushima：Japanese Case Studies of Science, Technology and Society, Springer. (online access from University of Tokyo library)

参考書

Sergio Sismondo (2010). An introduction to science and technology studies. Blackwell Pub.

履修上の注意

In the final report, students work on own case analysis. Presentation is required during the course, and students are expected to utilize the presentation opportunity to develop the case analysis and to get feedback from the peer students.

その他

As each class is 90 minutes, the lecturer will prepare minor tasks for students as the supplement, or hold time to discuss the report content when needed.