course-details-portlet

SANT2026

The Anthropology of Technology

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 15
Level Intermediate course, level II
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

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 include experimenting with emerging technologies within teaching and research. 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.

Compulsory assignments

  • At least 60 % attendance at classes
  • Minifeltarbeid

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.

The mandatory activity in this course is a mini field work, and 60% attendance at classes. 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.

Retake exam

It is possible to retake the exam. The school exam is offered both semesters, but it is only possible to submit the portfolio the semester the course is taught.

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
SANT2020 7.5 sp Autumn 2023
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Social Anthropology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Geography and Social Anthropology

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code E Date 2025-11-22 Time 09:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL510
1 candidate

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Portfolio
Weighting 50/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment