Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• Understand the fundamentals (theories and tools) in human and social sciences
• Identify and explain the basic theoretical trends in various fields of human sciences (law, economics, management, history, psychology, etc.) and their applications.
• Political Science option : Understand the fundamentals in the field of political science
• Apply understanding of the political field to sociology, anthropology, economics, management and statistics.

Content of UE

According to the ideals of modern science, the facts that fundamental research produces would be neutral and apolitical. Following this logic, ethical and political questions arise only in relation to the application of knowledge in concrete social contexts. In a first part, the course problematizes - thus introducing students to certain notions developed by the Science-Studies - the very distinction between fundamental and applied research which is constitutive for a conception of science as being neutral. Through a series of historical and contemporary cases - from the nuclear issue to pharmacological research, climate skepticism to research on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) - the course, in a second part, pursues the goal of sensitizing students to the multiplicities of the modes of entanglement between political and economic interests and so-called fundamental research. In a third part, the course asks whether "another science is possible" and introduces the students to a series of contemporary reflections that attempt to answer this question (Naomi Oreskes, Isabelle Stengers etc.).

Prior Experience

Not applicable

Type of Assessment for UE in Q1

• Presentation and/or works

Q1 UE Assessment Comments

not applicable

Type of Assessment for UE in Q3

• Presentation and/or works

Q3 UE Assessment Comments

not applicable

Type of Resit Assessment for UE in Q1 (BAB1)

• Presentation and/or works

Q1 UE Resit Assessment Comments (BAB1)

not applicable