Unit 6 - Social Institutions
Discussion: Science as a social institution
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Chapters 8, 9, & 10 in the text describe one aspect of our economic institution – the
pattern of work and technology. In your group discussions this week, I ‘d
like you to think about the connections between science as an institution
and the economic institution in our society. Use the concept of system (from
last week) to describe how science and the economy work together through technology
to fill societal needs. Compare norms, values, beliefs, and other interactive
patterns of interaction. Note that while the needs of individuals may be met
in the process, the concept of institution focuses on meeting the needs of
society so it can continue. If you feel you need more information about institutions
before you can do this assignment, check out the resources above. I’m
not seeing much reference to these sources in your discussions and I’d
like to. The answers to the questions posed each week are not opinion questions.
They are designed to test your understanding of the course material. Answers
should reflect that understanding. I’ll be looking for your ability
to use material in Part II of your Projects so these weekly discussions are
a good place to practice.
After your group develops answers to these questions, the group leader for this
week should post on the main Discussion Board on Friday, February 13th. The leader
should make sure the discussion gets focused on answering the questions and on using
material from text and lecture.
Click on the Group's button in Blackboard and scroll down to find, read,
and participate in this Unit's discussion. To read the Discussion Threads
efficiently, follow these instructions:
- Open a forum.
- Click Show Options.
- Use the check boxes to select the messages
you want to view.
- Click Collect in the options.
- Read the text from all the selected messages.
- Respond to posts individually.
I will assess your contributions on their relevance, thoughtfulness, and
degree to which they reflect an engagement with the reading and not just
with unsubstantiated opinions.
Each graded comment should be 100 to 300 words. One graded comment per
Unit is intended as a bare minimum. Of course you may linger in the discussion
boards and enter as many comments as you like. Incidentally, you may enter "extra" comments
under the same topic. That is what makes discussion and interaction possible.
Participation in each week's discussion is worth up to 10 points plus an
additional 10 if you are the Group Leader for that week.
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