Science and Technology Policy in the Global South
Fall 2009 PPAI 1701G S01
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Instructor: Geri M. Augusto
Please check the Detailed Class Information for up to date information about this course.
Information on meeting times for this course can be found on Course Schedule at http://selfservice.brown.edu
Course Description
Using theoretical ideas and empirical examples, this seminar explores from a variety of perspectives the relationships among science, technology, society, and public policymaking in the Global South. It examines the influence of past experience, forms of public science organization, systems of knowledge and belief, civic epistemologies and regulatory frameworks, strategic agendas for development, and tensions in power and social relations on the governance of science and technology in several societies. Also interrogates the roles of local and global knowledge in shaping S&T policymaking and citizenship in an internationalized context. Bridging public policy and science studies, the seminar introduces a more internationalized perspective on science and technology governance, and enhances capacity for effective policymaking practice. Students will be graded on three writing assignments; participation in a web-based roundtable with counterparts in Brazil, South Africa and/or India; and class participation. Junior/senior seminar for Public Policy concentrators; others welcome with instructor's permission.
Instructor's Description
The seminar is designed to accommodate students with a variety of interests in its subject matter, and training in the natural sciences is not a requirement for it, nor will the class focus on development economics. More broadly, the seminar will help prepare students to act capably and with a more nuanced understanding of the issues at the intersection of several fields of practice: as future policy analysts, advisers and decision-makers in public sector science at home; as potential or actual professional collaborators in cross-border public science and technology research programs (e.g. global networks, “collaboratories,” framework agreements); and as designers and public administrators of programs and projects in an increasingly globalized context.
Readings and Required Texts
There is no required textbook, but students are encouraged to consider purchasing P. Sillitoe (Ed.), Local Science vs. Global Science: Approaches to Indigenous Knowledge in International Development; and D. Guston and D. Sarewitz, Shaping Science and Technology Policy. Almost all readings will be available online through OCRA/MyCourses.