Course - STS: Signs and Objects - KULT2204
STS: Signs and Objects
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About the course
Course content
This course focuses on how artifacts/technology and society is developed in co-dependency and thus how they change. A series of concrete examples from the 20th century is used to emphasize this. In this vein the course covers the relationship between innovation and design, consumption, the relationship between art, architecture and technological change and the interaction between science, technology and environment.
Learning outcome
Students of this course have knowledge of:
- central paths of development of the Norwegian and international scientific history
- important developments and discussions related to Norwegian and international environmental policy
- processes of innovation with focus on users, consumption and large technological systems
- the development of modern consumerism and the relationship between product development, design and use of artifacts and technologies
Students of this course are skilled at:
- analyzing controversies related to science and technology
- analyzing how technology and science enters into processes of cultural change
- analyzing ethical problems regarding science, technology, nature, environment and culture
- gain knowledge of certain issues and communicate insights in different formats
Learning methods and activities
Group based teaching. One mandatory task.
The exam is in assignment form: It consists of one shorter exam assignment (constituting 20% of the total grade) and one longer exam assignment due towards the end of the semester (constituting 80% of the total grade). To qualify to sit the final exam, the mandatory course assignment must be approved.
The assignments can be delivered individually or as a group.
Compulsory assignments
- One mandatory task
Further on evaluation
The course has two exams: one written assignment that counts for 20% of the final grade and a home exam that counts for 80% the grade. To pass the course, both exams must be passed.
The home exam can be delivered individually or as a group assignment
In case of illness or a grade of F on the shorter assignment, a resit exam will be organized before the final exam.
The student cannot appeal the grade before the total grade for both exams is announced.
Students who have completed the mandatory activity will have the opportunity to repeat or resit the exam whether or not the course is taught that semester. In a semester when the course is taught, both exams must be passed. In a semester when the course is not taught, there will only be one exam which will count for 100% of the grade.
Recommended previous knowledge
None
Required previous knowledge
None
Course materials
Will be given at the start of the course.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| KULT2203 | 7.5 sp | Spring 2006 |
Subject areas
- Science and Technology Studies
- History
- Media Studies
- Social Studies
Contact information
Course coordinator
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
Home examination
Submission 2025-11-28 Time Release 09:00
Submission 14:00 Duration 1 weeks Exam system Inspera Assessment