On the Relations of Science, Technology and Society

This course is offered in English only!

What is science and what is technology? How do they relate to society? And how can we best understand these relationships? This course will tackle these and additional questions, drawing heavily on theories and concepts from Science & Technology Studies (STS). We will explore why it is important in our times to understand in which ways science, technology and society are entangled. The course covers broadly four topical areas. First we investigate what can be gained from analysing science as a social enterprise. Secondly, we will take a closer look at technology and its various ways of interrelating with society. Third, we will discuss how Actor-Network Theory, including its most recent developments, help us understand the complex relations between science, technology and society. Finally, we move to a more macro perspective, how, e.g., science and the state relate differently in different regions.

The following contributes to the grade:

- Active participation in class

- Questions on readings

- Final written assignment

This course will only be offered in English.

Students from other study programs or other universities are welcome, provided the room capacity permits.