NS4643 Science, Technology, and Society in China

This course surveys the relationship between science, technology, and society in China. The course begins by examining science and technology in ancient and early modern China followed by a discussion of how Western imperialism led to state-led efforts to expand modern China’s technological and scientific capabilities. The remainder of the course focuses on major scientific and technological issues in contemporary China. Overall, this course investigates how science, the state, and society have interacted over the course of Chinese history and the causes and consequences of scientific and technological achievements and failures.

The course is relevant to the DoD and DoN emphasis on Great Power Competition.

Cross Listed Courses

N/A

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the main drivers of scientific, technological, and social engineering in Chinese history.
  • Expound on how different social groups have experienced the development of science and technology in China.
  • Research a major scientific, technological, or social engineering issue in contemporary China, explain its main trends, and present policy recommendations.
  • Demonstrate competence in critical reading, effective communication, project management, and analytical writing.