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This course is no longer available, see the current course list.

INF5010 - Social aspects of technology and science

Course content

The course is replaced by INF5011

The purpose of the course is to explore the interactions between science, technology, and society. Technology both influences and is influenced by society. This is especially important as information and communication technology becomes more widespread. We will discuss some history of science: Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolution and its repercussions to computer science, the myths of progress and technological determinism. We will explore some sociology of science and technology: Latour and Callon’s actor network theory and Bowker and Star’s interpretation of actor-network theory through infrastructural inversion, classification and standards. We will also address some aspects of technology and medical science such as cloning and genetic engineering, and we will look at political and economic influences on technology. Special interests of students or current topical issues may also be included in the course.

Learning outcomes

The ability to reflect critically on issues related to science and technology.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Prerequisites

No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.

Overlap

6 credits against IN-SATS.

Teaching

2 hours lectures per week.

This course contains mandatory assignments which must be completed and approved.

Rules for mandatory assignments:
http://www.ifi.uio.no/studier/skjemaer/oblig-retningslinjer_eng.pdf

Submission requirement for mandatory assignments:
http://www.ifi.uio.no/studier/skjemaer/declaration.pdf

Exam information

80% of the mandatory assignments must be approved prior to the exam.

Evaluation is based on a written essay or other related assignment (ca 50 %) and oral presentation (ca 50%).

Assessment and grading

Students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade. Read more about the grading system .

Course auditor: Hilde Corneliussen (University of Bergen)

An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

This subject does not offer new examination in the beginning of the subsequent term for candidates who withdraw during an ordinary examination or fail an ordinary examination. For general information about new examination, see www.matnat.uio.no/studier/studieinformasjon/eksamen/kontinuasjon.html and www.matnat.uio.no/english/studies/examination/repeat.html

Other information

Note that the first lecture is compulsory.

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