2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Science and Technology for Society C
- 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) - 3-4 Mon (M-155(H1104)) / 3-4 Thu (M-155(H1104))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.T304
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course covers the theory and case studies of ELSI in science and technology through lectures.
The objectives of the course are:
(1) To understand approaches to ethical, legal, and social issues in science and technology, and
(2) To acquire the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for implementing ELSI and RRI.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
(1) Examine ethical, legal, and social issues in science and technology from the perspective of researchers and/or engineers
(2) Acquire the fundamental concepts and skills required to implement ELSI and RRI
Keywords
ELSI; RRI
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Mainly in a lecture style.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction: What is the thing called science? |
|
| Class 2 | Functions of academic papers and scientific misconducts |
To contemplate the best form of researchers |
| Class 3 | Case study: Minamata disease |
To consider Minamata Disease as an ELSI issue that cannot be avoided as Science Tokyo students |
| Class 4 | Thinking About Science and Technology: From ELSI to RRI |
To think science and technology from the perspective of ELSI and RRI |
| Class 5 | Ethical and Social Issues with Knowledge Production and Utilization |
To examine problems caused by R&D and innovation |
| Class 6 | Dual-use technology |
To understand dual-use technology and Its characteristics |
| Class 7 | Patient Participation and Involvement and RRI |
To considering RRI through Patient Participation and Involvement activities |
| Class 8 | Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Tracking Technology |
To understand Tracking Technology from an ELSI [erspective |
| Class 9 | Generative AIs and ELSI |
To understand generative AIs from an ELSI perspective |
| Class 10 | Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Cybernetic Avatars |
To understand Cybernetic Avatar Technology from an ELSI perspective |
| Class 11 | Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Neurobiotech |
To understand Neurobiotech from an ELSI perspective |
| Class 12 | Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Climate Tech |
To understand Climate Tech from an ELSI perspective |
| Class 13 | Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Space Technology |
To understand Space Technology from an ELSI perspective |
| Class 14 | Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Quantum Technology |
To understand Quantum Technology from an ELSI perspective |
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)
Katirai, Shikano, and Shineha (eds.) Introduction to ELSI. Maruzen.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Lecture materials will be distributed as needed.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Exercise problems (40%) and a final report (60%)
Related courses
- LAH.T104 ： Science and Technology for Society A
- LAH.T205 ： Science and Technology for Society B
Prerequisites
None.
Other
Should the number of applicants for this course exceed the limit, a lottery system will be used to determine which students are admitted. Be sure to attend the first class.