module
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SOC2096: Cyborg Studies
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The social sciences have traditionally been 'humanist' disciplines, in as much as their empirical and theoretical focus is on human individuals, their interactions with one another, social groups and social structure. This module aims to help you to develop a less anthropocentric or 'posthumanist' sensibility. With the figure of the cyborg, the cybernetic organism, a hybrid of human, animal and machine, as its icon, you will explore the co-evolution of humans, machines, sciences and natures. You will be exposed to a coupling of a discussion of posthumanist theory and its moral and political implications with a wide range of empirical studies.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. analyse relations between people (individuals and social groups), animals and machines 2. demonstrate familiarity with theoretical perspectives appropriate to the analysis of these relations and exemplify with a range of contemporary and historical examples |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. demonstrate awareness and understanding of a range of social scientific, historical, and philosophical perspectives 4. identify the core theoretical assumptions and premises of these disciplines 5. apply theoretical and interpretive perspectives to the task of sociological analysis 6. demonstrate appreciation of the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different and competing social scientific, historical, and philosophical perspectives |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. reflect on, and examine, taken-for-granted social, cultural and ethical assumptions, beliefs and values 8. analyse, evaluate, and communicate a range of explanatory and interpretive theoretical perspectives; assess evidence, marshal facts and construct arguments |