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Scientific and Technological Expertise in the Historical Networks of Power
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:40
Abstract
This course offers an overview of the social and economic history of science and technoscience by introducing different historical cases where scientific and technological expertise have played a central role in defining political and economic power relations.
Objective
This course equips students to analyze science and engineering as integrally societal and social practices. Comprehension of historical developments that have shaped scientific and technological practices also offers tools for identifying and discussing ethical and social questions that are linked to science and engineering today.
Content
This course offers an overview of the social and economic history of science and technoscience by introducing different historical cases where scientific and technological expertise have played a central role in defining political and economic power relations. We will explore such examples as industrial enlightenment and the boundaries of knowledge, engineering and science as national projects in times of war and peace, technological visions and practices of urban planning and public infrastructure, as well as the growing role of corporate and industrial research over the course of the 20th century.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 30
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Scientific and Technological Expertise in the Historical Networks of Power
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
Seminar start: 29.10.2020
|
|
18 h semesterly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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