Course content

The course offers an introduction to science and technology studies with a focus on how science/knowledge shapes, and is shaped by, society. Central in the course is the understanding of how knowledge as co-produced with norms, institutions, identities and other social aspects. Rather than understanding science as a way to "discover" objective truth, the course highlight the processes where knowledge is produced and how these are connected with social, cultural and political conditions. For example how climate models influence political decisions, but also how political priorities influence the development and use of such models.

This way, the course thematize the changing role of science, knowledge and expertise in society, with a particular focus on the relation between science and politics, and science and the population. It introduces critical perspectives on science and practical approaches to the democratic and governance challenges modern science and expertise represent.

More particularly, the course introduce STS-perspectives that can be used in concrete analyses of development, organization, management and use of science and expertise, and use these perspectives in historical and contemporary case studies.

It will provide insight into how STS-perspectives can be used in analyses of the development, organization, management and use of science and expertise. The course will also provide an understanding of central forms of scientific criticism and of more practical approaches to the challenges of democracy and government raised by modern science and technology, such as technology assessment, research politics, and knowledge management.

Learning outcome

Students with this course have knowledge of:

• historical and sociological understandings of science and scientific practice in general, and STS-perspectives and STS-field development (Science and Technology Studies) specifically
• central theories from STS concerning the production, use and interpretation of science
• changes in the understanding and use of knowledge, science and expertise in politics, work and everyday life
• STS-perspectives on challenges related to democracy and governance and science and expertise

Students will have skills in:

• using STS-perspectives in analysing both historical and contemporary controversies
• selecting analytical perspective to analyze specific societal phenomena
• dealing with a limited empirical material in the context of theoretical perspectives
• to disseminate knowledge through writing argumentative and reflective texts

Learning methods and activities

Teaching includes lectures, seminars with extensive student activity and group work. Attendance is compulsory (75 %) Assessment is a home exam (essay). As a prerequisite for taking the exam, the student must have submitted two assignments. Students who do not meet the attendance requirement may, upon application to the department, be allowed to complete a compensatory assignment. The compensatory work will be adapted to the extent of the absence and may be written and/or oral.

Compulsory assignments

• 2 written exercises (3-4 pages)
• At least 75 % class attendance

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree

Credit reductions