Admission Requirements
Open to students that are registered for the minor Our Universe, and who have followed as part of that minor The Evolving Universe and The Habitable Universe.
Also open for students who have completed the BSc Astronomy course Inleiding Astrofysica or equivalent.
Description
Like many scientific endeavours, the conduct of astronomical research is not value-free and can conflict with values from other domains (society, belief, environment). These conflicts present complex challenges that extend far beyond pure scientific inquiry, This course explores these multifaceted dilemmas through a project-based approach that encourages students to engage deeply with real-world scenarios where astronomical research intersects with social, cultural, environmental and ethical considerations. After some real-life examples and an introduction to the nature of dilemmas – characterized by the absence of a ‘correct’ solution – and the strategies to negotiate them, students will start to explore such dilemmas and analyse the contents and dynamics of the ensuing debates. Students will do this through three group assignments: the production of a short video addressing a dilemma involving astronomical research activities from different perspectives; a serious ‘role-playing’ exercise where individual students take specific roles in such a dilemma and together are tasked to produce a policy paper; and an individual reflection essay. At a ‘student symposium’ the different groups present and debate their dilemmas and policy papers.
Course objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Define and recognize diverse persepctives stemming from cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds in dilemmas in science & technology.
Explain the components of an argument in a debate on science & technology.
Evaluate and critique arguments in a science & technology debate.
Deconstruct complex scenarios involving science & technology debates and identify the underlying assumptions, biases, and potential areas of conflict.
Examine personal and professional stances, recognising and evaluating potential tensions between them.
Formulate a well-informed, comprehensive recommendation or solution to a dilemma, integrating diverse considerations and perspectives.
Timetable
See MyTimetable.
Mode of Instruction
Lectures and practical sessions.
Assessment Method
Group video assignment (25%).
Group policy document (30%).
Group presentation (20%).
Group debate (5%).
Individual reflection essay (20%).
Students need to pass each component to pass the course.
Reading list
See Brightspace.
Registration
Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap.
Contact
Minor coordinator: Prof.dr. Serena Viti | viti@strw.leidenuniv.nl
Course coordinator: Dr. Pedro Russo | russo@strw.leidenuniv.nl