RSO-56306 Introduction to Sociology for Life Science Students

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course offers a deeper understanding of the social world, in particular the ways in which societies are shaped by modern (life) sciences and technologies. In a series of interactive lectures, we discuss key concepts like technology, culture, power, institutions, agency and social change. In discussion groups we learn to apply sociological concepts and theories in the context of WUR-related fields of study (animal and plant production, spatial planning, climate change, food etc.). We discuss insights from the sociology of science and technology to better understand the social embedding of and responses to scientific innovation. The course introduces the shared roots and some current similarities between life sciences and sociology (e.g. evolutionism, functionalism, complexity).

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand, interpret, explain and apply major sociological theories and concepts in order to analyse social dynamics relevant for life sciences;
- understand, interpret, explain and apply basic concepts from the sociology of science in order to analyse and assess scientific innovation and its perception in society in sociological terms;
- understand, interpret and explain the shared roots of and current similarities between sociology and the life sciences.

Activities:

- weekly lectures and discussion group;
- studying literature;
- writing two papers.

Examination:

Two review papers and written examination.

Literature:

To be announced.