UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

COURSE OUTLINE FOR SOC 107: SOCIOLOGY OF KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY
SESSION: 2024/2025
COURSE LECTURERS
  • Prof A. O. Agba
  • Dr. F. A. Uyang
  • Dr. Lynne
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Regularity of Class Attendance:
    • At least 75% attendance is required to meet course expectations.
  • Assessment:
    • An assessment that attracts a total of 30 marks.
  • Examination:
    • An examination that contributes 70 marks towards the final grade.
COURSE OBJECTIVE
  • To provide a comprehensive introduction to the teaching and learning of knowledge and technology in Nigeria alongside global perspectives.
  • To establish the symbiotic relationship between:
    • Culture and knowledge
    • Technology and culture
  • To describe how knowledge and technology influence human affairs, societal functions, and environmental interactions.
LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss the meaning of sociology of knowledge.
  2. Explain knowledge and methods of acquisition.
  3. Define the sociology of technology.
  4. Describe technology and its methods of acquisition.
  5. Analyze the relationship between culture and technology.
  6. Discuss the impact of technology on society.
OUTLINE
Part One: What is Sociology of Knowledge?
  1. Meaning of Sociology of Knowledge:
    • An exploration of how knowledge is influenced by social processes.
  2. Scope of Sociology of Knowledge:
    • The boundaries and areas of inquiry encompassed by sociology of knowledge.
  3. Historical Antecedence of Sociology of Knowledge:
    • A review of key developments that have shaped this field of study.
  4. Sociology of Knowledge Perspectives:
    • Different viewpoints and frameworks in understanding sociology of knowledge.
  5. Theories in Sociology of Knowledge:
    • a. Social Constructionism Theory of Knowledge (SCOTR):
      • Examines how knowledge is constructed through social interactions.
    • b. Constructivism Theory of Knowledge (CTK):
      • Emphasizes the role of learners in constructing their understanding.
    • c. Determinism Theory of Knowledge (DTK):
      • Investigates how knowledge is determined by social structures.
    • d. Epistemology as a Theory of Knowledge:
      • Considers the nature and scope of knowledge and justified belief.
  6. Sociology of Scientific Knowledge (SSK) versus Sociology of Knowledge:
    • Contrasts traditional sociology of knowledge with a focus on scientific knowledge.
  7. Significance of Sociology of Knowledge in our Lives:
    • The impact of sociological perspectives on understanding knowledge in everyday life.
Part Two: Knowledge and Methods of Acquisition
  1. Meaning of Knowledge:
    • Definitions and understandings of what knowledge entails.
  2. Attributes of Knowledge:
    • CHARACTERISTICS that define knowledge (e.g., truth, belief, justification).
  3. Types of Knowledge:
    • - Procedural, propositional, experiential, and tacit knowledge.
  4. Methods of Acquiring Knowledge:
    • Various pathways through which knowledge is gained (e.g., experience, education).
  5. Scientific Method:
    • Systematic observations and experiments as a foundation for acquiring knowledge.
  6. Constraints to Knowledge Acquisition in Nigeria and Africa:
    • Barriers such as educational system limitations, socio-economic factors, and cultural influences.
  7. Advantages and Disadvantages of Knowledge Expansion:
    • Considerations of the benefits and potential drawbacks of increasing knowledge access.
  8. Monopoly of Knowledge:
    • Discussion on the concentration of knowledge power and its implications.
Part Three: What is Sociology of Technology?
  1. Sociology of Technology: Its Meaning:
    • The study of technology as a social phenomenon within sociology.
  2. Scope of Sociology of Technology:
    • Areas and boundaries encompassing sociological inquiry into technology.
  3. Social and Intellectual Forces in the Development of Sociology of Technology:
    • Influences that shape the understanding and application of technology in society.
  4. Perspectives in Sociology of Technology:
    • Various viewpoints for analyzing technology within a sociological context.
  5. Theories and Approaches in Sociology of Technology:
    • a. Technology Determinism Theory (TDT):
      • The idea that technology shapes society in a predetermined manner.
    • b. Instrumental or Neutrality Theory of Technology:
      • Argues that technology is neutral and can be used for various purposes based on human intention.
    • c. Social Construction of Technology Theory (SCOTT):
      • Emphasizes how social processes and structures shape technology development and usage.
    • d. Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT):
      • A framework outlining factors influencing technology acceptance and use.
  6. The Significance of Sociology of Technology in our Lives:
    • The role technology plays in modern life and its social implications.
Part Four: Technology and Methods of Acquisition
  1. Meaning of Technology:
    • Definitions and understandings of technology and its role in society.
  2. Characteristics of Technology:
    • Features that define technology, such as functionality and purpose.
  3. Types of Technology:
    • Examples include information technology, biotechnology, and industrial technology.
  4. History of Technology:
    • A chronological overview of major technological developments.
  5. Methods of Acquiring Technology:
    • Processes for obtaining and implementing technology across various fields.
  6. Challenges to Technology Acquisition and Development:
    • Issues such as financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, and resistance to change.
  7. Merits and Demerits of Technology:
    • Discussion on the benefits (e.g., efficiency) versus drawbacks (e.g., job displacement).
Part Five: Culture and Technology
  1. Meaning of Culture:
    • Definitions and anthropological perspectives on culture.
  2. Components of Culture:
    • Elements that make up culture including norms, values, and symbols.
  3. Attributes of Culture:
    • Characteristics that define cultural phenomena and expressions.
  4. Impact of Culture on Technology:
    • Analysis of how cultural norms and values influence technological development and use.
  5. Impact of Technology on Culture:
    • Exploration of how technology alters cultural practices and interactions.
  6. Symbiotic Relationship Between Technology and Culture:
    • Mutual influence and shaping of technology and culture in society.
  7. Technological Culture:
    • Examines the culture surrounding technology usage and innovations.
Part Six: Technology and Society
  1. Aristotle's View on Technology and Society:
    • Philosophical implications of technology's role in societal progress.
  2. Technology and Economic Development:
    • Relationship between technological advancements and economic growth.
  3. Technology and Unemployment:
    • Discussion of how technology can lead to workforce displacement.
  4. Technology and Education:
    • Impact of technology on educational practices and accessibility.
  5. Technology and Formal Organization:
    • Examines the integration of technology within structured organizations.
  6. Technology, Values, and Lifestyle:
    • How technology influences personal values and everyday living.
  7. Technology, Globalization, and International Relations:
    • The role technology plays in the interconnectedness of global societies.
  8. Technology and Medical Practices:
    • Exploration of technological advancements in healthcare and their implications.
  9. Technology and Politics:
    • The influence of technology on political processes and governance.
  10. Effect of Technology on Popular Culture and Crime:
    • Analysis of how technology intersects with cultural phenomena and criminality.
  11. Technology and the Mass Media:
    • Exploration of the impact of technology on media production and dissemination.
SUGGESTED READING LIST
  • Basic Sociology Texts: Available in the main library, alongside the following recommendations:
    • Agba, A. O., and Ushie, E. M. (2014). Sociology of Knowledge, Science and Technology. Calabar: University of Calabar Press.
    • Ritzer, G. (2008). Sociological Theory (7th ed.). New York: Mc-Graw Hill Companies, Inc.