Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC3096: Cyborg Studies

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

Overview

NQF Level 6
Credits 15 ECTS Value 7.5
Term(s) and duration

This module will run during term 1 (11 weeks)

Academic staff

Dr Alexander Badman-King (Lecturer)

Pre-requisites

none

Co-requisites

none

Available via distance learning

No

This module explores the topics of transhumanism and posthumanism. What should humans become? How should we think about the relationship between humans and increasingly powerful technology? What’s so special about humans anyway? Using the figure of the cyborg, a hybrid of machine and organism, we will analyse and reflect upon a wide range of topics related to both future technology and the place of humanity in the world. You will be encouraged to critique the principles of humanism and invited to develop them in new directions. With some emphasis on the ethical dimensions of these discussions, this module will be broad in its inclusion of social and political analyses, as well as generating more abstractly conceptual and metaphysical reflections. Beyond its emphasis on more abstract and theoretical content, there are no prerequisites and it is suitable for non-specialist students in the social and natural sciences, the humanities and engineering and is highly appropriate for students following interdisciplinary pathways. 

Module created

09/03/2016

Last revised

26/01/2022