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Science & Engineering in Popular Culture (MULT30023)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Claudia Sandberg
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is based on cultural studies concepts and theories to explore the disciplines of science and engineering linked to popular culture. Feature films, documentaries, photographs or even music videos are the basis of class discussions on the representation of critical moments, ground-breaking discoveries, and important personalities and pioneers in the field of science and engineering. We will focus on questions such as: Which ethical issues are aligned to scientific and technological progress and how do popular media from different historical eras and cultural contexts depict them? We will deal with individual case studies to evaluate more generally how science and engineering projects link to ideological motivations and political powers, and contribute to dynamics of inclusion and exclusion. Science and Engineering in Popular Culture rethinks responsibilities and potentials of science and engineering in our current social, cultural and political environments.
Weekly themes include:
• Climate Change and the Hollywood Blockbuster
• Gender Representation of in Science Engineering in Popular Culture
• Fordism, Taylorism and Charlie Chaplin
• Engineering, Warfare and Film
• The Space Race and the Moon in Popular Imagination
• Technological Progress and the Sci-Fi Genre
• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Cinema
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students will be able to:
- ILO 1 - Familiarise yourself with cultural studies theories to the field of engineering;
- ILO 2 - Critically analyse film narrative and aesthetics;
- ILO 3 - Acquire knowledge about the social, political and cultural environment in which engineers and engineering operate;
- ILO 4 - Discuss engineering achievements and their portrayal in documentaries and feature films;
- ILO 5 - Reflect on the role, responsibilities and potentials of the engineer as part of the wider society.
Generic skills
- Develop your public speaking skills
- Possess skills of critical thinking and analysis
- Enhance your research and writing skills
- Discover and cultivate creative skills set
Last updated: 27 April 2024