HPSC5202M Big Issues in History of Science, Technology and Medicine
30 Credits Class Size: 25
Module manager: Adrian Wilson
Email: A.F.Wilson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running
2024/25
Module replaces
HPSC5160 Current Research in HPS
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
The module is designed:
- to outline a range of major historiographical approaches in the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine;
- to examine their origins and interconnections, and the different ways in which they have been employed;
- to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches explored; and
- to promote a sophisticated analytical self-awareness among students as practitioners of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able:
- to demonstrate appropriately detailed knowledge of a number of major historiographical approaches in the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine;
- to show familiarity with some of the key texts relating to each of the approaches;
- to appreciate the strengths and shortcomings of different approaches, and be able to engage in informed critical analysis; and
- to decide where they stand in regard to the different approaches, and to reflect critically on their own position.
Syllabus
The module will examine a series of major historiographical approaches in the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine, such as social constructivist, feminist, Marxist, Foucauldian, practice-oriented, communication-oriented, object-oriented, and integrated HPS.
Teaching Methods
| Delivery type |
Number |
Length hours |
Student hours |
| Seminar |
11 |
2 |
22 |
| Private study hours |
278 |
| Total Contact hours |
22 |
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) |
300 |
Private study
- Reading for seminars (6 hours/week) = 66 hours
- Preparing seminar presentations (2 x 15 hours) = 30 hours
- Reading over seminar notes (2 hours/week) = 22 hours
- Further Reading and Essay Preparation 160 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will have the opportunity to submit a 1000 word piece of coursework for formative assessment midway through the module. Students will receive verbal comments on their understanding and progress in seminars and be able to visit staff during office hours or arranged meetings throughout the semester.
Methods of Assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type |
Notes |
% of formal assessment |
| Essay |
5000 words |
100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) |
100 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading List
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/05/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team