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 Leiden BSc Astronomy course Inleiding Astrofysica or equivalent.
Description
Like many scientific endeavors, 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 analyze the contents and dynamics of the ensuing debates. Students will do this through a serious ‘role-playing’ exercise where individual students take specific roles in such a dilemma and together are tasked to produce a policy paper. At a ‘student symposium’ the different groups present and debate their dilemmas and policy papers. An individual reflection essay completes the course.
Course objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Define and recognize diverse perspectives stemming from cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds in dilemmas in science & technology in general, and astronomy in particular.
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, recognizing and evaluating potential tensions between them.
Formulate a well-informed comprehensive recommendation or solution to a dilemma, integrating diverse considerations and perspectives.
Schedule
See MyTimetable.
Teaching method
Lectures
Group activities (serious gaming)
Debate
Assesment method
Group policy document (40%)
Group presentation (20%)
Group debate (10%)
Individual reflection essay (30%)
Students need to pass each component to pass the course.
Resit, review & feedback
Individual students who miss a component are offered a replacement assignment
Group assignments that receive a failing grade can be improved and resubmitted for a maximum score of 6
Reading list
- Lecture handouts and background reading material can be found on Brightspace.
Registration
Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap.
Contact
Education Office: minor@strw.leidenuniv.nl
Course coordinator: Prof.dr. Michiel Hogerheijde
Remarks
The Faculty of Science uses the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.