TAD-20306 Introduction Agro-ecological Technology Studies

Course

Credits 6.00

Expected knowledge on:

BSc

Continuation courses:

Technology, Social Choice and Development;
Technography: researching technology and development;
major thesis Technology and Agrarian Development;
minor thesis Technology and Agrarian Development

Contents:

Science and technology play fundamental roles in modern society. From hunger to the threat of war, from contaminated food to environmental degradation, every social problem that we face today involves science and technology, either as cause or cure. This course offers an introduction to theories and methodologies that conceptualize the interaction between science, technology and society. More specific attention is given to science and technology that focus on agricultural and ecological processes. Topics include differences between agrarian development in the North and the South, technology development for low external input farming systems, biodiversity and participatory approaches in research and technology development.

Aims:

- understanding the major theories of science-society interaction and its consequences for technology development;
- understanding the particular nature and course of technology development for different agro-ecological developments and processes;
- applying presented concepts and methods to "virtual" cases, particular themes and topics in the area of agro-ecological development.

Activities:

The course consists of lectures, literature study, and group discussions. After each lecture a question will be formulated, reflecting on the literature, that forms the basis for the group discussions. Students have to report on the discussions by means of short essays addressing the formulated question.

Examination:

Examination is based on a written exam, group essay writing and individual essay writing.

Literature:

More detailed information and reader with selected articles will be distributed some weeks in advance.