ERGOB1070 Technology and Society Course description

The language is normally English.

Technologies, from the stone axe to the computer, have been integral in shaping how we live, think, interact and work. Advances in digitalization have made digital competences a significant factor in ensuring the employability of candidates in all professions vital to our society. Understanding the benefits, the limitations and the transformative power of technologies on public and private life as well as professional practice is crucial. 

In this course, students will acquire the basic knowledge needed to harness the potential of digital technologies and identify opportunities to use technology to foster inclusion, active participation, and sustainability in society and the workplace. Through individual reflection, shared exploration and group discussions, students will gain awareness of how technological developments might impact their future professions, and their role as citizens in an increasingly digitalized society.  

This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge and means to become a responsible agent of change in their own profession and field of study. Students will learn to recognise limitations, strengths and potentially disruptive consequences of technological innovation and grapple with the social, ethical and political issues that arise as technology becomes both increasingly complex and essential to the function of society. 

No additional course-specific requirements.

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

Knowledge 

Upion successful completion of this course the student understands: 

• basic concepts, mechanisms and tools behind digitalization and how their use may constrain or enable participation in society, work processes and other aspects of everyday life 
• the role of technological innovation and development with regards to health, sustainable development, universal design, and privacy 
• the potential impact of digital technologies on civic engagement 
• the function of technological infrastructure in shaping and supporting society and the welfare state. 

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 
• reflect on social, ethical and political consequences of technological change specific challenges related to their field of study 
• provide examples of local and global technological disparity, both in general terms, and in relation to their field of study 
• apply critical and analytical tools and strategies to evaluate information, arguments, and theories, in a structured manner 
• analyse and interpret the processes by which information and disinformation is distinguished, disseminated and used in different contexts. 

General Competence 

Upon successful completion of this course the student can: 

• 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 new technologies and digitalization processes on an individual and societal level 
• understand the importance of user-oriented perspectives in the use and development of technology 
• communicate concepts and models related to the use of technology in a structured manner. 

The course uses a blended learning approach, with a combination of attendance-based seminars and digital learning materials. Students will explore real-world cases emerging at the intersection of society, technology and their future profession.

English will be the primary language of communication.

None

Portfolio assessment

The portfolio will consist of a choice of three from a set of assignments offered in the course. For assignments that require working in groups, each group may consist of 2-5 candidates.

Each of the assignments has a word limit of 1000 words (+/- 10%), or 7 minutes (+/- 1 minute) for video or audio submissions.  

The portfolio is assessed as a whole and given one single grade, but all assignments must be passed in order for the portfolio to receive a grade E or higher.

All assignments in the portfolio must be written in either English or a Scandinavian language. 

The exam can be appealed.

Postponed exam: A student who fails or have leagal absence in the ordinary exam, may submit a reworked version at a re-sit.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are followed.

Pass/fail.

Two internal examiners will be used. External examiner is used regularly.

The course has 5 ECTS of overlapping content towards STKD6610 Technology and Society, STKD6600 Technology and Society I, PSYK1070, BIOB1070 Technology and Society I, ERGOB1070 Technology and Society I, FYB1070 Technology and Society I, RAB1070 Technology and Society I, SYKK1070 Technology and Society I, SYKP1070 Technology and Society I, TAB1070 Technology and Society I, ORI1070 Technology and Society I, PMED1070 Technology and Society I, FARB1070 Technology and Society I