Science, Technology, and Society
STS 1101
Mid-term Essay Assignment
Deadline: March 2, 11:30 pm.
“People, things, activities, knowledge, and organizational structures are all part of the human story…..we need to think beyond things in isolation and start thinking about things in combination or in terms of socio-technical systems” (p. 20, Technology and Social Theory by Steve Matthewman)
Why is it important to think about things in combination? Why do we need to see technologies as part of wider sociotechnical systems?
Respond to this question by elucidating the above quote. Say what do you think of the quote. What does the quote mean? Do you agree with it? Why and Why not? Give reasons for your argument.
Draw on the readings, concepts, discussions, videos, and lectures, and presentations to write a coherent essay.
Give an introduction and state your argument in clear and concise terms.
Tell the reader how are you going to argue your case.
Divide your argument into points.
Devote one paragraph to explain each point.
You can use direct or indirect quotes from the text. please specify the page number if it is from the textbook. For outside sources give citations and mention the text in the bibliography.
Please do not use too many direct quotes and do not use long direct quotes. Try to summarize what the text says in your own words. And use your analysis.
Write a concluding paragraph summarizing your argument and the main points.
Include a bibliography
You may bring in outside references and personal experiences
Minimum length: 5 pages double-spaced (Times New Roman) Maximum Length: 5 pages double-spaced.
Grading Rubric
. A- 100-90: Well-argued and analytical engaged with all the relevant chapters and readings/ cited them/ Referred to Lectures and Class discussions.
. B- 89-80: Analytical / engaged with all the relevant chapters and readings/ Referred to lectures and class discussions.
.C-79-70: Incoherent Essay/ cited Chapters.