From Bombs to Algorithms (016IR)
From Bombs to Algorithms: Science, Technology, and Global (In)security
Module 016IR
Module details for 2019/20.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
Science and technology shape not only our lifestyle, but also politics and war. Scientific inventions and technological innovations have been crucial for the development of new weapons and defence systems, yet have had also other roles to play in warfare and political violence in general. How do scientific discoveries and technological innovations respond to the societal and political needs? How do military technologies affect the way wars are fought, regulated, and perceived? How do emerging technologies enable new actors to play a role in security politics? Why are some innovations feared? By focusing on these issues theoretically as well as on concrete empirical examples, the module provides an introduction to the study of security and technology.
Module learning outcomes
Show coherent knowledge of different social scientific perspectives on studying the entanglements of science, technology, society, and security
Be able to critique the techno-determinism and techno-optimism present in academic, popular, and political discourse
Demonstrate understanding of how technology shapes and is shaped by international political developments and practices of war-making
Critically reflect on current controversies involving science, technology, and security
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (3500 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Thu 16:00 | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T1 Week 7 | 33.33% |
| Group Presentation | T1 Week 11 (15 minutes) | 66.67% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Mrs Daniella Kiernan
Assess convenor
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/203772
Dr Earl Gammon
Assess convenor
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/138664
Dr Dagmar Vorlíček
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