FYB1070 Technology and Society Course description

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.

No additional course-specific requirements.

After completing this course, the student should have the following learning outcome:

 Knowledge

Upon 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 understands:

• 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

General Competence

Upon successful completion of this course the student understands:

• 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.

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, BIOB1070 Technology and Society I, ERGOB1070 Technology and Society I, VERB1070 Technology and Society I, RAB1070 Technology and Society I, SYKK1070 Technology and Society I, SYKP1070 Technology and Society I, TAB1070 Technology and Society I, FYSIO3000 IPH and MENDI3000 IPH.