STKD6610 Technology and Society II 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.

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 understands:

• basic concepts, mechanisms, and tools behind digitalization
• how digitalization shapes public and private life
• the role of technological innovation and development in equity and justice, sustainable development, and civic engagement

• how technological infrastructures shape and support society and the welfare state.

Skills

Upon successful completion of this course the student can:

• apply critical and analytical strategies to evaluate and critically discuss the possibilities and challenges of existing and potential technologies
• reflect on social, ethical, and political consequences of technological change
• provide examples of local and global technological disparity, both in general terms, and in relation to their field of study

• analyse and interpret the processes by which information and disinformation is distinguished, disseminated and used in different contexts.
• identify and discuss central sustainability challenges with digital technologies

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
• understand how digitalisation and digital technologies facilitate and shape interdisciplinary collaboration
• 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.

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

1. A one-page outline including the topic and the structure of the final project report. The outline 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 deadline.
2. Two individual assignments with a word limit of 1500 words each (+/- 10%). If one or both assignments are not approved the first time, the student may submit a revised version within a second deadline.

Individual project report (3000-4000 words). The report 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 applying 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.

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

The elective course is initiated provided that a sufficient number of students choose the course.

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student will learn about:

• Use of robots in industry and research
• Calculation and analysis of robot movement
• Programming and control of different robot types
• Common sensors, actuators and control electronics in robotics
• Physical prototyping and building of robots

Skills

The student is capable of:

• Programming and verification of solutions on a real robot
• Choose relevant sensors and actuators for a robot system
• Processing simple sensor data

General competence

The student:

• Understand the basic principles needed to design and build robots
• Discuss and justify own choices and priorities within the robotics field
• Develop robot systems from the planning phase to prototype testing