This module is concerned to engage with current debates on the relationship between society, science, technology and violence. It builds (but is also self-contained with no prerequisites required) on the Level 5 Security Module and it encourages reflection on methodological, theoretical and analytical issues that shape the ways in which security is thought about and practiced in contemporary global politics. The principal focus of the module will be on state and sub-state security implications of contemporary scientific and technological innovations, an approach that facilitates in-depth investigation into fields such as drone warfare, nanotechnology, cyberwarfare, dual-use, neuroscience, biotechnology as well as developments relating to biological, chemical and nuclear weapons. The module will include a visit to the Royal Armouries in Leeds to explore the early history of military-technological innovation.
Specifically, it aims:
to develop a detailed and sophisticated understanding of the academic and policy literature on the relationship between society and science and technology.
To encourage you to critically analyse the processes by which understandings of science and technology are socially constructed.
To encourage you to critically analyse and evaluate the different processes by which new scientific and technological developments are adopted and used by security actors.
To encourage sophisticated critical reflection on the role of norms and law in the governance of weapons technologies.
To encourage critical engagement with a wide range of historical and contemporary sources.
To encourage sophisticated critical reflection on the distinction between dominant and subordinate voices and narratives.
To encourage the application of detailed subject specific knowledge and critical analysis to a relevant topic.