Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
This course explores the relationship between technology and society from an STS perspective. Throughout this course, students are encouraged to: (1) Explore the societal positioning of technology development and cultivate a basic attitude towards the democratization of technology through concrete cases and phenomena. (2) Openly explore various possibilities of technology research, usage, and impact. (3) Assist students in developing habits of expression and critical thinking through cultivating analytical skills. (4) Appreciate the institutional connections between actors, symbols/knowledge, technological artifacts, and systems as articulated in theories of technology and society.
Results/Contributions

This course adopts a research approach rooted in Science, Technology, and Society studies (STS), using case studies to explore the involvement of scientists, engineers, businesses, governments, the public, and users in various aspects of technology development, dissemination, and utilization. Stemming from the practical ethos of STS, the course views technology and society not merely as bodies of knowledge but as various methods and perspectives for engaging with technology. It aims to foster an open-minded attitude among students to practice contemplating the interconnections between technology, society, and personal careers, with a focus on analyzing the structures, politics, and unseen actors within technological and societal systems. Accordingly, the course aims to cultivate students' analytical and critical thinking abilities through the method of "institutional analysis," guiding students to dissect various phenomena. Active participation in case discussions and sharing, as well as practical exercises in data collection and analysis, are integral components of the course. Consequently, the course serves as an intersection where students, drawing from their own professional and life experiences, develop the ability to explore and reflect on their professional expertise and the development of technology. It aims to provide STEM students with a broader understanding of the institutional perspectives and humanistic values of technology while also enabling students from humanities, social sciences, and management backgrounds to explore alternative technological possibilities through their own professional connections to technology. It is hoped that this will contribute to the development of students as "techno-social individuals" with a broader perspective and the ability to think critically and reflectively.

Keywords
STS, politics, technoscientific world, paradigm
Contact Information
林文源 教授 Prof. Wen-yuan Lin
wylin1@mx.nthu.edu.tw