Syllabus for Technology, Power and the Future of Humanity

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).