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  Studiegidsen 2013-2014
Radboud UniversiteitStudiegidsenFaculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde en Informatica > Mastervarianten

Knowledge Society 

(Vakcode)
Course ID
NWI-FC0011C
(Studiepunten)
Credits
3
(Periode)
Scheduled
derde kwartaal
Collegerooster opvragen
SWS / PersoonlijkRooster
Teaching methods (Werkvormen)
  • 3 hrs guided individual project work
  • 10 hrs lecture
  • 6 hrs problem session
  • 65 hrs individual study period
Pre-requisites (Vereiste voorkennis)
The course builds on previous courses from the Mastertrack Science Communication (especially Risk Communication), and is part of the obligatory part of the Mastertrack. In addition, the course is open as an optional course for all MSc. Students.
Objectives (Leerdoelen)
  • Students are familiarised with the different roles of scientists in the Knowledge Society
  • Students explore the implications for science communication
  • Students are acquainted with shifts in the knowledge infrastructure and the techniques and strategies to analyse these shifts
  • Students are familiarised with the pro's and con's of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary- settings they will encounter in professional contexts
  • Students analyse some classical texts, which have given rise to intense debate amongst scholars in the Social Study of Science and sometimes even in the (inter)national political arena
  • Students are able to distinguish and explain different types of expertise and connect them to various roles that scientists have in the Knowledge Society.
Contents (Beschrijving)
In this course we reflect on these changes and discuss the possible implications of these shifts for MSc. students in their future professional life. We ground these discussions in different models and approaches that are currently used in assessments of the Knowledge Society. At the end of this course you will be able to formulate a more informed answer on questions like: How can we define expertise and what different types of expertise can be distinguished? How does the context in which scientific knowledge is produced function and change? What does this mean for the role of universities?

The course primarily focuses on theoretical reflection, but features discussions among students, teachers and guest speakers. These are matched with analyses of current scientific insights on the Knowledge Society, mainly from the field of STS (Social Studies of Science). The course is completed with a written exam.

Subjects (Onderwerpen)
Concepts which are discussed are:
  • Scientific expertise
  • Expert versus lay public knowledge
  • First-, second- and third mode of knowledge
  • Reliable knowledge versus socially robuust knowledge
  • Responsible Research & Innovation
  • Uncertainty, complexity and post-normal science
  • Multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary science
Examination (Tentaminering)
Written exam
Literature (Literatuur)
Literature will be made available on Blackboard
Extra information (Bijzonderheden)
Foreign students should contact the teacher 3 weeks in advance.