2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
HPSC1400 Technology in the Modern World
10 creditsClass Size: 150
Module manager: Dr Simone Turchetti
Email: s.turchetti@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
What is the significance of technology in modern life? Is it simply a tool for us to explore exciting and interesting possibilities for dealing with the world more effectively? Or is it a monster that takes away our freedom by forcing us to adapt to its demands for greater efficiency and order? This debate between instrumentalist vs. determinist conceptions of the power of technology is the central concern in this course. To get a grip on the debate we will look at the relationship between technology and power, particularly in relation to Bacon's notion of 'knowledge as power', and the ways in which technology creates both new practical possibilities and new constraints for humanity. From that standpoint we will analyse how technology has been understood and defined in relation to such key concepts as progress, modernity, nature, gender, identity and culture. By studying texts written by a range of historians and philosophers (including Marx and Heidegger) this course will enable you to formulate your own conclusions. To facilitate discussions, case studies will be taken from the following areas: radio and television, computing, nuclear power, bio-agricultural technology, domestic technology, non-Western and colonial/imperial technology, and the technologies of death in the Nazi Holocaust.Objectives
By the end of the course students SHOULD be able toi) use a range of analytical themes to discuss the significance of technology in the modern world
ii) critically examine key philosophical and historical claims about the role of technology in the modern world
iii) use evidence from case-studies on past and present technologies in critical discussion
Syllabus
The relationship between technology and power: technology as a resource for 'power over' vs. 'power to', Bacon's notion of 'knowledge as power' in the use of technology; instrumentalist vs. determinist conceptions of the power of technology in everyday life.
Analytical themes of progress, modernity, nature and naturalness, gender, identity and culture in understanding the significance of technology. Critical comparison of perspectives from major authors in the field.
Case studies to include the following: radio and television, computing, nuclear power, bio-agricultural technology, domestic technology, non-Western technologies and colonial/imperial technologies.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Tutorial | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Private study hours | 84.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
1 x 1,500 word essay & 1 x 1hr examMethods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1,500 words | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 17/04/2009
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