RSO-12306 Biosystems Engineering and Society

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Contents:

The course focuses on the (historical) interactions of biosystems engineering and society. A historical and sociological approach of the (mutual) impact of agricultural science and technology on agrarian development will be the main focus of this course. Emphasis is put on the historical dimensions: how agriculture and technology have interacted in different epochs and different socio-economic contexts. Both analytical and theoretical concepts (and tools) will be offered to analyse agrarian change in the different eras and areas. The current debates on agricultural and rural transitions will be studied and analysed for its implications on bio system engineering. The socio-economic and cultural environment will be articulated as a 'horizon of relevance' for technological design in agricultural practices. The interactions between science, technology and society will be analysed through different case-studies. Both form an sociological and a historical point of view. The course also addresses phenomena such as technique, technology, science, ethics and society.
Part of the course is a module on debating. In this module the students will learn how to set up a good oral argumentation in relation to the right context and purpose. The topic will be related to the content of the course.

Learning outcomes:

After this course, the students are expected to:
- have understanding of the relation and interaction between developments in biosystems engineering and society in the course of history;
- have knowledge of the processes of change of agricultural production systems in the Netherlands;
- understand the role of technological change in the agrarian development in the Netherlands;
- have insight in de position and the interactions with stakeholders;
- have insight in different concepts of science and technology;
- be able to position oneself vis-á-vis different ideas of science and technology;
- be able to analyse normative aspects of science and technology by means of technology assessment tools;
- be able to deliver an oral argumentation in the right context and for the right purpose.

Activities:

- lectures;
- working sessions;
- case study, excursions;
- self-study;
- writing and presenting group papers.

Examination:

- individual assignments (15%);
- group assignment (30%);
- written exam (55%).
A minimum mark of 5.5 is required both the assignments and written exam.
- debating a pass is required.

Literature:

Reader, book and course outline.