Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC2096: Cyborg Studies

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to help you to engage in a wide range of debates in transhumanism and posthumanism. You will be exposed to various scenarios in which the idea of humanity is questioned, either through its technological disruption or the need to develop ideas which no longer hold humans at their core. The central aim is for you to develop a critical and sophisticated understanding of what it means to be human and what role our technology should play in determining not only our own future but the future of the world(s) in which we live. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Critically assess the meaning and significance of being ‘human’.
2. Analyse the relationships between humans and non-human agents and entities
3. Demonstrate familiarity with theoretical perspectives appropriate to the analysis of these relationships and exemplify with a range of contemporary, historical and theoretical (including fictional) examples.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate awareness and understanding of a range of philosophical, social scientific, and historical perspectives
5. Identify the core theoretical assumptions and premises of these disciplines
6. Apply theoretical and interpretive perspectives to the task of social analysis
7. Demonstrate appreciation of the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different and competing social scientific, historical perspectives
Personal and Key Skills8. Reflect on, and examine, taken-for-granted social, cultural and ethical assumptions, beliefs and values
9. Analyse, evaluate, and communicate a range of explanatory and interpretive theoretical perspectives; assess evidence, marshal facts and construct arguments