Technology, Power and the Future of Humanity
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1MV000
This course has been discontinued.
- Code
- 1MV000
- Education cycle
- First cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Sustainable Development G2F
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (G)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 8 March 2012
- Responsible department
- Department of Earth Sciences
Entry requirements
University studies 60 credits/equivalent
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- analyse different views on the role of technology in society, the relationship between technology and sustainable development, and how individual human beings influence and are influenced by different technologies;
- apply conceptual, analytical and ethical tools to understand the role of technology in individual as well as collective meaning making processes;
- critically review different technologies, the use and development of technology and its consequences from a power perspective, and methods for risk assessment and evaluation of these consequences.
Content
The course starts with discussion of historical, idea historical and philosophical perspectives on technology.
Emphasis is put on views of the importance and function of technology on a societal and individual level and the possibilities and limitations of the technology to solve environment and development problems.
New technologies and its social consequences are also discussed.
Methods for risk assessment and evaluation of technology are reviewed and analysed, and a power perspective on development of technology used.
Instruction
The teaching consists of guest lectures, seminars and group discussions.
Assessment
Students are examined through written preparation and active participation in seminars and workshops (3 credits) and at the end of the course through written and oral presentation of projects (4.5 credits).