Sociology and Criminology
Technology and the Human
Module code: L4124
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Portfolio
On this module, you’ll examine the human as a social construct, shaped through its relationship to technology.
You’ll explore:
- the social construction of humanity
- humanity’s relationship to technology through a historical perspective
- the raced, classed and gendered dynamics that have shaped what it means to be human.
You’ll also use social theories to explore how technologies have contributed to a shift from the human to the posthuman, particularly through the figure of the cyborg. Across the module, we’ll ground theory in case studies, including:
- the Luddites of the 19th century
- more recent automation anxieties about AI
- recent attempts to use humans as ‘digital sensors’, tasked with sensing their environment.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of social theoretical and critical perspectives on the human and its relationship to technology
- Apply relevant social theories about humanism, posthumanism, and technology to critically reflect on their own humanity
- Critically interpret case studies and examples using arguments from social theoretical debates regarding technology and the human
- Synthesise empirical data and theoretical work on humanism, posthumanism and technology to effectively communicate detailed written work for academic and other audiences