course-details-portlet

SANT2020 - Anthropology of Technology

About

This course is no longer taught and is only available for examination.

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Portfolio assessment and written examination
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
School exam 50/100 4 hours E

Course content

What does it mean to be human in the age of technology? In this course you will get a theoretical and practical introduction to the anthropology of technology, with an emphasis on exploring concrete technologies in different contexts. Relevant examples are advanced technologies for representation and communication, technologies of production, gene technologies and technologies of re-production. In this way, questions about how technology is part of human relationships is raised: in how humans understand reality, in the deep structures of society, and in how technology gives and has given new development opportunities and dreams of the future.

Learning outcome

You will understand technology as artefact, as a field of knowledge and as a worldview. Based on this you will be able to conduct anthropological analyses on technology in the social, where constructive-critical reflection and precise argumentation is emphasized. In order to actualize research questions, theory and method discussions teaching activities will be conducted in relevant technological contexts. By participant observation, you will be encouraged to reflect upon your encounters with technology, which will enhance understanding regardless of how comfortable you are with modern technology. You will work with and in a technological environment, and this course seeks to provide both theoretical and practical relevant learning outcomes.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching is structured as lectures and seminars where the students will enter different technological settings and conduct technology-anthropological analyses. Parts of the teaching will take place as experimenting in a cooperative lab that is used to support operations at the International Spacestation (ISS). There will be Norwegian and international guest lecturers from relevant sectors of industry and research milieus.

Please note that mandatory activities and lectures may start prior to the registration deadline.

Mandatory activity

The mandatory activity in this course is a mini field work. The mandatory activity will be assessed as approved or not approved. The mandatory activity has to be approved in order to qualify for the exam.

SANT2020, SANT2021, SANT2024 and SANT3508

Minimum 15 credits will be offered in the spring semester. Which courses that are offered will be announced on the course description.

Compulsory assignments

  • Minifieldwork

Further on evaluation

The examination consists of two parts: a 4 hour written exam (50%) and a portfolio exam (50%). The content of the portfolio will be announced at the beginning of the semester. The exam can be written in Norwegian, English or another Scandinavian language.

Retake exam

It is possible to retake the exam. The mandatory activities can only be taken in the semester the course is taught, so in order to retake the exam at a different semester, your assignments must be approved.

Course materials

The reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
SANT2026 7.5 AUTUMN 2023
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Intermediate course, level II

Coursework

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Anthropology
Contact information
Course coordinator:

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Social Anthropology

Examination

Examination arrangement: Portfolio assessment and written examination

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD School exam 50/100 E 2023-12-14 09:00 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD School exam 50/100 E 2024-06-05 15:00 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
SL111+SL210 Sluppenvegen 14 1
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

More on examinations at NTNU