Science Technology and Society: Syllabus and

Requirements
Posted on February 9, 2017 by Juned
I. Introduction:
We are living in a world that is a product of science, technology and society. All positive
and negative occurrences in our collective history has a link or caused developments in
science and technology. This is not surprising since the the two streams of science has
constantly been first, the search for the truth in the universe and Second, to make our
life easier and safer. Furthermore, as society and science moves forward there is a
greater need to understand it and realises its importance for the most practical reason —
how to survive — what do we do to prepare for a disaster or why is it bad to overindulge
in sugar and alcohol.This is why STS is part of the GE curriculum to ensure that we will
survive in our age. The second reason would be to be able to be the maximum what we
can be the spirit of the Renaissance Ideal that will only enhance and not diminish us.

II. The Four MAIN Thematic Themes of STS

The teachings of STS can be divided into four main areas and one special topics area.
For the purpose of brevity and clarity the term Science will be used for Science and
Technology. The four main themes and one for Special Topics:

Science History, Society and Philosophy

Science in Daily Life
Science and Other Disciplines
Science and National Development
Special Topics

There will be special topics that will be include more than one or all of the subject areas
like Communicating Science.

III. Course Description and Course Objectives

Course: Science Technology and Society

Course Description: Analyses of the past, present and future of science and technology
in society (including their nature, scope, role, and function) and the social, cultural,
political, economic and environmental factors affecting the development of science and
technology, with emphasis on the Philippine setting.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the students should be able to

Explain the creative process of science and technology

Relate science to other disciplines and cultures
Discuss the influence of past and current scientific and technological on Philippines and
Global society
Be aware of the scientific methodology and critical thinking

IV. Course Syllabus

1. Science History, Society and Philosophy

The Two Streams of Science

Science and Ancient Greek Society
Daedalus and Greek Society
Alexander, Hellenism and Archimedes
Archimedes
Science and the Royal Library of Alexandria
Hypathia and the Destruction of the Serapeum Collection
Science and the Bayt Al-Hikma
Science and the Illuminated Books and Medieval City
Science and the City State of Florence and Renaissance Society
Science and the Aztec Society
Science Technology and Society in Asia
The Presence of Pyramids all over the world and its significance
The Royal Academy of Science
Science and Victorian Society
Philosophies Related to Science

2. Science in Daily Life

Technology and Gadgets
Social Media
The history and Science of Sugar
Affects and effects of the Internet (Social Media)
Books and their future
Photography, Science and Society
The Scientist
Science and Debate

3. Science and Other Disciplines

Science and Art

Science and Stories
Science and Films
Science and Culture
Propaganda
Science Investigating Mysteries

4. Science and National Development

The Game of Monopoly : US Business and Science – JP Morgan
The Current War: Edison, Tesla, Morgan and Westinghouse
The Geneticist War: Vaviloff, Lysenko and Stalin
The War Against the Four Pests: Mao Zedong
Nationalism and Science
Philippine Cases

5. Special Topics

Communicating Science
Fish: Japanese Culture of the Fish
Microcosms: Aquarium Keeping Art of Science
Dreams Theatre of the Mind
Propaganda, PR and Edward Bernays
Nicolo Machiavelli
Imelda: Martial Law Society
Weather Forecasting
Technology and Gender

There will be special topics that will be include more than one or all of the subject areas
like Communicating Science.

V. Mode of Teaching: The blended Method

The class will be taught using a hybrid or a mix mode instruction, To be specific the
Blended Mode class has portions of the traditional face-to-face interaction is replaced or
augmented by other forms of learning. This may include but no limited to the following:
(I) On-line interactions; (II) 0n-site exercises and tasks; (III) And watching and hearing
of audio-visual media.

The student will be exposed the different learning actives, such as:

Lecture
Video Lecture
Guest Lecturers and Resource Persons
Multi Media Material:
Readings
Group and Plenary Discussions
Forums, Round Table Talks and Debates
On-line discussion using different digital media platform
Exercises and Discussions
Group Work and Group Project

VI. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES

1. Attendance and Deportment
The class the approved rules and guidelines of Science and Society Program

2. Exam: Viva Voce/Individual Oral Exam. Details:

Five Questions
Will start just before mid-semester
Will be conducted at the SSP Office
Coverage from start to what has been covered

One Question covers a book assignment

On the book a ssignment: You will be selecting one (1) book to read. One question in the
voce will be about the book you have read . Below is a list of books to choose from:

Dune by Frank Frank Herbert

Silent Spring: Rachel by Carson
A Canticle for Leibowitz Walter Miller
The Watchmen Alan Moore et al
The Invention of Hugo Cabret Brian Selznick
The Name of the Rose Umberto Eco
Frankenstein Mary Shelley
Barefoot Gen Keiji Nakazawa
Propaganda Edward Bernays
The Grapes of Math Alex Bellos
DC Universe of Alan Moore Alan Moore et al
Solomon’s Ring Konrad Lorenz
Agents of Apocalypse Ken De Bevois
Exemplar of American Imperialism: The Philippine Career of Dean C. Worster Rodney
J. Sullivan
The Digital Divide Mark Baurian
Connected: How your friends’ friends’ friends Affect Everything you Feel Think and Do
Nicholas Kristakis and James Fowler
Future Shock by Alvin Toffler
Life of Galileo (Play) by Berthold Brecht
Man for All Seasons (Play) by Robert Bolt
The Werewolf of Paris by Guy Endore

3. Group Project: A science communication group exercise using a current scientific

study.

Submit three academic papers published from 2014 to 2017.

One of the submitted academic papers will be selected and assigned to the group.
The selected academic paper will then be processed into the following:
One indicative abstract
One descriptive abstract
One critical abstract
One newspaper/magazine article
One presentation limited to five minutes

The presentation will be near the end of the semester.

The abstracts, the article and materials used during the presentation should be stored in
thumb drive that will be submitted after the presentation.
A peer group assessment will ne conducted and submitted after the presentation

VII. Grade Breakdown

Viva Voce: Individual Oral Exam : 60% or .60 weight: 100 points x 0.60 = 60 points
Group Project: 30% or .30 weight: 100 points x 0.30 = 30 points
Recitation and Class Participation = 05 points
Others = 05 points

TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS = 100 points