2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Department of Social and Human Sciences Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
Graduate Lecture in Science, Technology and Society S1B
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
- Instructor(s)
- Toma Kawanishi
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Wed (W9-407)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- SHS.S442
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course aims to deepen students’ understanding of technology through close reading of literature related to the history of technology. This year, the seminar will examine theoretical, institutional, and social debates on war and technology through guided reading and discussion. The course will primarily draw on the Routledge Handbook series and aims to provide an overview of current research on war and technology across war studies, science and technology studies (STS), and international relations. The specific readings will be selected during the first session based on students’ interests. In the first session, the instructor will provide an introduction and an overview of the relevant literature.
Course description and aims
By the end of the seminar, students will be able to:
1. Explain recent research trends on war and technology
2. Critically read academic literature in English
3. Compare and synthesize arguments across disciplines
4. Present and discuss arguments based on academic readings
Keywords
Military Technology / AI and Warfare / Cyber Warfare / War and Law / Military-Industrial Complex / Intelligence / Digital Warfare / Security Studies
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The seminar is conducted as a reading-based discussion course. In the first session, the instructor will provide an introduction and present key literature. From the second session onward, students will present summaries and key arguments from assigned readings, followed by group discussion. The instructor will provide additional theoretical and historiographical context when necessary.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction: Research Trends in War and Technology Studies and Selection of Readings |
Reading: Routledge Handbook of the Future of Warfare. London / New York: Routledge, 2024, Introduction |
| Class 2 | Historical Perspectives on War and Technology |
The readings will be selected according to participants’ interests. |
| Class 3 | War, Law, and Technology |
The readings will be selected according to participants’ interests. |
| Class 4 | AI, Autonomous Weapons, and Algorithmic Warfare |
The readings will be selected according to participants’ interests. |
| Class 5 | Cyber Warfare, Information Warfare, and Intelligence |
The readings will be selected according to participants’ interests. |
| Class 6 | Civilian–Military Technology Relations: Dual Use and Technology Governance |
The readings will be selected according to participants’ interests. |
| Class 7 | Conclusion: Current Directions in War and Technology Studies |
The readings will be selected according to participants’ interests. |
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)
Gow, James, Ernst Dijxhoorn, Rachel Kerr, and Guglielmo Verdirame, eds. Routledge Handbook of War, Law and Technology. London: Routledge, 2019
Gruszczak, Artur, and Sebastian Kaempf, eds. Routledge Handbook of the Future of Warfare. London / New York: Routledge, 2024
Reference books, course materials, etc.
None required
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class presentation (80%), Final report (20%)
Related courses
- SHS.S441 ： Graduate Lecture in Science, Technology and Society S1A
- SHS.S443 ： Graduate Lecture in Science, Technology and Society F1A
- SHS.S444 ： Graduate Lecture in Science, Technology and Society F1B
Prerequisites
Not required
Office hours
Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment