Instructor
Dr. Stephen G. Sapp
Department of Sociology
Iowa State University
320 East Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1070
Ph: (415) 294-1403
FAX: (415) 294-2303
ssapp@iastate.edu
Course Description
SOC 415 addresses theoretical and applied topics in the sociology of technology. It focuses primarily upon applied issues of technology transfer. It explores techniques of and social issues related to risk assessment, management, and communication, public policy formation, and diffusion strategies.
This course is conducted in accordance with the Department of Sociology Code of Ethics.
Any student who needs an accommodation based upon a disability should contact Dr. Sapp privately to discuss their specific needs. Also, please contact the Disability Resources Office (Room 1076, Student Services Building, 415-294-6624, awaoniyib@iastate.edu) to coordinate disability certification and accommodation.
Textbooks
Everett Rogers, Diffusion of Innovations, 5th Edition. (2003) NY: Free Press.
Although not required for Sociology 415, this text is fundamental to all programs for social change. Persons pursuing careers in social change professions should purchase it and read it carefully.
Course Packet
The ISU Bookstore can prepare a course packet of the reading materials for Sociology 415 if you prefer.
Related Books:
Adams, John, Risk.
Douglas, Mary and Aaron Wildavsky, Risk and Culture.
FAO/WHO Report #70, The Application of Risk Communication to Food Standards and Safety Matters.
Krimsky, Sheldon and Dominic Golding, Social Theories of Risk.
Lupton, Deborah, Risk.
Shrader-Frechette, Kristin S., Risk and Rationality.
Slovic, Paul, The Perception of Risk.
Webster, Andrew, Science, Technology, and Society.
Related Articles:
Bell, Michael and Diane Mayerfeld, The Rationalization of Risk.
Bradbury, Judith A., The Policy Implications of Differing Concepts of Risk.
Freudenburg, William R., Risk and Recreancy.
Sapp, Stephen G. and Peter F. Korsching, The Social Fabric and Innovation Diffusion.
Slovic, Paul, Trust, Emotions, Sex, Politics, and Science: Surveying the Risk-Assessment Battlefield.
Course Organization
Following the introduction, the course is organized into three units: 1) Science, Technology, and Society, 2) Risk Assessment and Management, and 3) Risk Communication. Unit one addresses relationships among science, technology, and society, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of technology, and social philosophy. The second unit covers approaches to technology evaluation, risk management, linkages between public perceptions and technology policy, and the role of the media in risk assessment. Unit three covers techniques of risk communication and addresses strategies for gaining either the adoption or rejection of complex and controversial agricultural technologies.
Assignments and Grading
The Calendar of Events summarizes the assignments for the course.
Evaluation assignments include quizzes, exams, written assignments, and a computer simulation exercise.
- Quizzes evaluate understanding of basic concepts.
- Exams evaluate integration and application of course materials.
- Written assignments apply key concepts to social issues associated with complex and controversial agricultural technologies.
- The computer simulation exercise applies principles of the diffusion of innovations approach to gaining adoption of an innovation within a hypothetical village.
Class participation is an important component of this course. Five points will be deducted from the total score for each unexcused absence.
The Class Assignments page provides detailed descriptions of the expectations for each type of assignment.
The total value of all evaluations equals 330 points. The scoring procedure allows for 30 points from quizzes (3 quizzes at 10 points each), 210 points from the exams (3 exams at 70 points each), 40 points from the written applications (2 papers at 20 points each), and 50 points from the computer simulation exercise. Grading is based upon a standard curve: A = 90% or more, B = 80% - 89%, and so forth, with some consideration of + and - grades.
Grades for the assignments will be listed by your ISU ID number and posted on the class web site.
