SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY-SOCIETY 2206
Topic/Concept: Human Rights considerations in the development of science and technology and their application to society.
Outcomes:
- To develop an awareness that science and technology must be applied with care to minimize the damage to vulnerable groups in society.
- To foster an appreciation of ethical considerations in science and technology.
- To explore the four dimensions of globality - space, time, issues, and culture.
Curriculum Connections:
The articles and activities are designed to enhance the six course outcomes defined in the Science - -Technology - Society 2206 Course Description. Special emphasis is on the following:
- develop an understanding of the interrelationships among science, technology and society. (Course Objective #1)
- develop critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills. (Course Objective # 3)
- become familiar with current issues related to Science -Technology - Society and to become aware of the positive and negative consequences of science and technology. (Course Objective # 6)
Strategies:
The activities consists of two kinds. The first group, which is student oriented, consist of short, two-page articles designed to introduce new ideas. Each article is followed by appropriate questions and observations to promote further exploration of the themes raised.
The second is teacher-oriented and designed to encourage the application of an overall pedagogical and philosophical framework to deal with issues of technology, science and society.
Articles
The Fourth "R" p. 89, HRR Human rights and the environment
Right to Employment p. 85, HRR Communities and natural resource allocation
Disability or Ability p. 57, HRR Incorrect use of technology to justify discrimination
Flags of Convenience p. 119, ERR Technology and safety - widespread implications i.e. offshore oil development
A Clean Get-away p. 88, ERR Technology and pollution
Under the Northern Lights p. 82, ERR Appropriate technology and natural resource utilization
Computers: Harbingers of.. p. 67, ERR Technology and society
When is Cod Fishing... p. 63, ERR Fishery and stock depletion
Common Threads in
Inuit Culture p. 30, CCR Traditional technology
Teacher Selection
The Four Dimensions
of Globality GTGS Part I, GTGL Educational tool to enhance the course
Implications for Teaching/Learning:
Technology itself is value-free but it becomes value-laden when applied by people. It is therefore important that students discuss the ethical implications.
Information technology can access human rights issues and information - it can also be negatively used by hate groups.
Legend:
ERR The Road Untravelled: An Economic Rights Reader
CCR The Way We Are: A Cross Cultural Reader
HRR Freedom and Responsibility: A Human Rights Reader
GTGL Global Teacher, Global Learner