From Bombs to Algorithms (016IRS)
From Bombs to Algorithms: Science, Technologies, and Global Insecurity
Module 016IRS
Module details for 2021/22.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This course will critically interrogate the entanglements of science and technology with war and security. The students will first learn about science and technology studies (STS) concepts to understand the co-production of science, technology, security, and war and about social scientific tools to analyse the techno-security politics. The course will then focus on cases where these entanglements will be discussed on concrete examples, including the development nuclear weapons, the evolution of biological weapons and biological disarmament, the politics of dual-use research, artificial intelligence and imaginaries of 鈥渟mart wars鈥, disinformation and democracy in cyberspace, big data and surveillance etc.
Full Module Description
This course will critically interrogate the entanglements of science and technology with war and security. The students will first learn about science and technology studies (STS) concepts to understand the co-production of science, technology, security, and war and about social scientific tools to analyse the techno-security politics. The course will then focus on cases where these entanglements will be discussed on concrete examples, including the development nuclear weapons, the evolution of biological weapons and biological disarmament, the politics of dual-use research, artificial intelligence and imaginaries of 鈥渟mart wars鈥, disinformation and democracy in cyberspace, big data and surveillance etc.
Module learning outcomes
Show coherent knowledge of different social scientific perspectives on studying the entanglements of science, technology, society, and security
Be able to critique the techno-determinism and techno-optimism present in academic, popular, and political discourse
Demonstrate understanding of how technology shapes and is shaped by international political developments and practices of war-making
Critically reflect on current controversies involving science, technology, and security
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (3500 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T2 Week 7 | 66.67% |
| Group Presentation | T2 Week 11 (10 minutes) | 33.33% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Lindsay Clark
Convenor
/profiles/578582
Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Assess convenor
/profiles/349663
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