ACIT4005 Technology and society: Critical perspectives in practice Course description

The rapidity and radicality of new and emergent technological developments have potentially far-reaching consequences that may lead to major changes in our civilization and confronts us - as individuals and societies - with new ways of knowing and acting, and pivotal questions, challenges, and opportunities. Addressing these issues requires a broad and interdisciplinary approach: it is increasingly important that future engineers, computer and data scientists, and technologists in general, can reason about the possible implications of technology in their own field as well as society at large.

Concrete questions concerning technology and technological development are examined through historical and contemporary texts, concrete and hypothetical technologies, and relevant real-world cases. Through lectures, colloquial presentations, discussions and writing, students will develop an advanced understanding of the interconnectivity of technology and society and familiarise themselves with theoretical and analytical tools and terms that enables discussions and critical assessments of technological trends, tasks, and practices. This course gives the students opportunities to explore and critically examine key dimensions of technologies and methods that will be part of their master’s thesis.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of this course the student has an in-depth understanding of:

• the interconnectivity of technology and society
• central critical perspectives on technology
• the relevance of historical knowledge of technology
• different tools and methodologies which can be applied to understand and analyse the roles and effects of technology

Skills

Upon successful completion of this course the student can:

• evaluate and critically discuss the possibilities and challenges of technological solutions used in the profession(s) relevant to their field of study and present the arguments in a structured form.
• apply philosophical and analytical strategies to critically discuss the possibilities and challenges of existing and potential technologies.
• formulate and present advanced and informed arguments on complex and intractable problems that arise in the development and implementation of technology.
• position his/her research focus and professional interests in a broader context.

General Competence

Upon successful completion of this course the student can:

• communicate critical concepts, theories and perspectives related to technology in a structured manner.
• assess a critical framework of their own practice in their future work.
• discuss ethical, social, and political challenges arising at the intersection of technology and society.
• examine contemporary, real-world cases from multiple perspectives.
• evaluate the potential impact of modern technologies and digitalization processes on an individual and societal level.

The classes consist of lectures and seminars. Students are expected to participate in discussions, to give short presentations on assigned topics/texts. There will be text workshops with group supervision.

The following coursework requirements must be approved for the student to take the exam:

1. A one-page outline of the topic and the structure of the essay is required.
2. A reading list of self-chosen literature
3. Attend at least one supervision

The outline and reading list must be approved by the course coordinator/course teacher/supervisor within a set deadline. If the outline is not approved the first time, the student may submit a revised version within a second, set deadline.

The exam is an individual written report of 4000-6000 words, excluding the front page and reference list.

The exam must be written in either English or a Scandinavian language.

The exam can be appealed.

New/postponed exam:

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for registering for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

A student who fails or has legal absence in the ordinary exam, may submit a reworked version at a re-sit.

All aids are permitted, provided the rules for plagiarism and source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F.

One internal examiner will be used. External examiners are used regularly.

Trine Krigsvoll Haagensen