2024 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences15:Science and Technology for Society
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Masashi Shirabe
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Wed
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.S415
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
The aims of this course are as follows.
- To foster researchers who consider social impacts of their research activities
- To have an ability to critically think about science
Course description and aims
(1) Strengthen the ability to study science from various perspectives and in a critical manner
(2) Have knowledge and skills to analyze case studies of STS
Keywords
social responsibility of researchers; scientific rationality; government and science
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Mainly in a lecture style. But, small group discussion might be introduced.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction | |
| Class 2 | Functions of academic papers and scientific misconducts | To contemplate the best form of researchers |
| Class 3 | Interface between engineering ethics and science and technology studies | To understand context sensitiveness of "ethical behavior" |
| Class 4 | Case study: Minamata disease | To understand relation between science and political authority |
| Class 5 | Case study; Itai-itai disease | To understand relation between science and political authority |
| Class 6 | Case study: FBR Monju | To understand relation between science and government |
| Class 7 | Case study: Low dose radiation after Fukushima nuclear plant accident | To understand science for risk governance |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Yuko Fujigaki (eds.), Lessons From Fukushima: Japanese Case Studies on Science, Technology and Society, Springer.
Hand out materials as needed.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Exercise problems (40%) and a final report (60%)
Related courses
- LAH.T205 ： Science and Technology for Society B
Prerequisites
None.