Universität Wien

233022 SE Risky Entanglements? Theorising Science, Technology and Society Relationships (2019W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 23 - Soziologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Final Presentations and Conclusion:
28.01.2019, 09:15 - 12:15 und 29.01.2019, 09:15 - 14:30

  • Monday 07.10. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien (Kickoff Class)
  • Monday 14.10. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 21.10. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 28.10. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 04.11. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 11.11. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 18.11. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 25.11. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 02.12. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 09.12. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 13.01. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 28.01. 09:15 - 12:15 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 29.01. 09:15 - 14:30 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This seminar offers a systematic introduction to the main theoretical approaches and conceptual frameworks in science and technology studies (STS). The seminar's title - risky entanglements - hints at the intricate relationships between science, technology and society, as well as the intertwinement of theories, concepts and methods drawn upon in STS research.
The principal aim of this introductory seminar is to chart the theoretical landscape of STS, its key concerns and major approaches. Therefore, the seminar combines a comprehensive overview of theorising in STS and a more focused presentation of leading approaches in the field. The seminar will also contextualize theories in STS in history - in what contexts and along which problems they have emerged. What do these approaches have in common? Where do they differ? To have these questions answered, the seminar discusses seminal texts in STS, whilst making explicit their background assumptions. Special attention will be devoted to the latter task, as the seminar is designed for newcomers to STS and students of various disciplinary backgrounds.
The didactic aim of the seminar, then, is to promote clarity and create confidence in working with theoretical concepts in STS. The theoretical approaches covered range from the ‘strong programme' in the sociology of scientific knowledge, social constructivism to interpretative theories, actor-network theory, feminist and postcolonial science studies and co-production.

Assessment and permitted materials

To pass the seminar, students are expected to complete the following tasks:
a) Read the required readings for each course unit, submit 1-2 questions for discussion, and participate in class discussions;
b) Provide a handout (1-2 pages) on one of the required readings, with the aid of the background reading, and prepare to give a short summary to start the discussion in class;
c) As a group, prepare a workshop unit, including a handout and presentation, to practice the application of a theoretical perspective to your case;
d) As a group, develop a research expose for your case;
e) Write an essay (6-8 pages) in which you compare two of the theoretical approaches discussed in class;

'This course uses the plagiarism-detection service Turnitin for larger assignments.'

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Grading Scheme

The grading of the course is based on the separate assessment of different tasks on a scale of 1-5.

Participation: 25 percent, assessed individually, feedback on request;
Summary of a required reading: 10 percent, assessed individually,
feedback on request;
Preparation of a Workshop Unit: 15 percent, assessed as group work,
feedback by lecturer;
Research expose: 20 percent, assessed as group work, feedback by lecturer;
Essay: 30 percent, Assessed individually, Feedback on request;

Minimum Requirements
To successfully complete the course, a weighted average of at least 4,5 is required. Failure to meet the attendance regulations, to deliver course assignments on time or to adhere to standards of academic work may also be considered in the course assessment.

Feedback
Feedback is envisaged for some but not all assignments. If you wish to get feedback where it was not foreseen, please ask the lecturer, your peers or the group and arrange dates individually.

Acceptance of any assignments implies compliance with the following requirements
a) Citations are always marked and referred to in the bibliography at the end of a text
b) No unauthorized copying or pirating of existing texts; plagiarism will not be tolerated!
c) Cover sheet with course title and number, name, student ID, title of assignment/topic and date
d) Style: A4 paper, 11 point font, 1 1/2 line spacing, page numbers in footer, author name and text title in header
e) Proofreading and language checks before submission of texts

Examination topics

Reading list

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:21