TIK9011 – Science and Technology Studies
Course content
Introduction to Science and Technology Studies (STS)
This core PhD course provides an advanced introduction to Science and Technology Studies. It will cover selected classic theoretical-methodological approaches, such as laboratory studies, social construction of knowledge, actor network theory as well as feminist science studies. The course will also introduce selected recent developments within the field of STS, including care and valuation studies, the turn to study of economy and economization, studies of the digital, politics of nature and postcolonial STS. Mainly designed for PhD candidates whose previous background did not include STS, it combines an overview of selected foundational texts of STS with insights into current debates and methodological moves.
The course will consist of lectures and paper discussions, as well as a site visit and writing exercises. The site visit in the Oslo region is chosen in connection with ongoing research projects at TIK. All participants will take active part in giving and receiving feedback on each other’s work.
Learning outcome
Advanced insight into core STS literature and new developments in the field.
Become familiar with the relation between theory and methods in STS approaches.
Ability to formulate design strategies for empirical research in STS.
Insight into practical techniques for researching and describing sites.
Analyze the STS international journal landscape.
Be trained in making your PhD contribute to STS as a field.
Admission to the course
Admission to a PhD program is required for participation in this course.
Please note that the number of participants is limited to 15.
The application must be submitted digitally and include:
A completed application form with the following attachments:
- A short outline of your PhD project (max. 500 words).
- A letter of confirming your enrollment in a PhD program (only applicable for candidates outside UiO).
Application deadline: 30 August 2024.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Applicants must be enrolled in a phd program, and fullfill the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.
Teaching
Teaching will take place 2 - 6 December 2024.
Venue: HF-12, Niels Treschows building, 12th floor.
Examination
All participants must submit a piece of exploratory writing (3000-4000 words) that will be precirculated in advance of the course. For this paper participants are invited to connect their PhD project to the syllabus and the STS literature, especially with respect to methodologies. During the course, participants will work together on researching a site and write up short texts in a guided writing exercise as well as participate in feedback sessions. Based on these two deliverables (precirculated course paper, participation in writing and feedback sessions), the course will be assessed based on a pass/fail grade.
Participants’ papers will be precirculated and discussed during the course week. This piece of explorative writing should develop links between course literature and your PhD project for and/or developing a conceptual STS approach you plan to use in your PhD research (4000 words).
Deadline for submission of precirculated papers: 30 October 2024.
- Please send your paper as a PDF titled "TIK9011_Your surname" to the administrative coordinator Lara Kristiansen.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.