Universität Wien

233022 SE Introductory STS Theory: From Paradigms to Post-ANT (2021W)

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

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

"Kick-off":
Monday, 4th of October 2021 from 09:00 - 11:15 (Hörsaal II/NIG)

"Final presentations":
Tuesday, 25th of January 2022 from 14:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, 26th of January 2022 from 13:00 - 16:30

Monday 04.10. 09:00 - 11:15 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
Monday 11.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 18.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 08.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 22.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 29.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 06.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 13.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 10.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 17.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Monday 24.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 30 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Tuesday 25.01. 14:00 - 17:00 Digital
Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
Wednesday 26.01. 13:00 - 16:30 Digital
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 principal aim is to chart the theoretical landscape of STS, its key concerns, and the major approaches used. The seminar therefore combines an overview of STS theories with discussion of the ways in which these theories have been developed and put to work. The seminar will also contextualize theories over time, examining in which contexts and in relation to what problems they have emerged. What do these approaches have in common? Where do they differ? To answer these questions, the seminar discusses seminal texts in STS, whilst making explicit their background assumptions.

The didactic aim of the seminar is to promote clarity and create confidence in working with theoretical concepts in STS. Students should feel equipped to work with a ‘tool kit’ of STS ideas in developing their own analyses and research. The theoretical approaches covered range from the ‘strong programme' in the sociology of scientific knowledge to 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:

• Read the required readings for each course unit, and actively participate in class discussion.
• As part of a group, develop a presentation summarising the readings for one of the classes (topic to be assigned by the lecturer), and moderate discussion of this presentation.
• As a group, develop a research expose for your case.
• Write an essay (of approximately 2.000 words) in which you apply two of the theoretical approaches discussed in class to a specifc topic or case, comparing what these each allow you to see.

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

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Grading Scheme

The grading scheme is based on a total of 100 points. The grading of the course is based on the separate assessment of different tasks.

The maximum number of points to be acquired for each task is:

• Participation: 10 points, assessed individually.
• Presentation: 30 points, assessed as a group.
• Research expose: 20 points, assessed as a group.
• Essay: 40 points, assessed individually.

A minimum of 50 points is necessary to successfully complete the course. Failure to meet the attendance regulations, to deliver course assignments on time or to adhere to standards of academic work may result in a deduction of points.

Presence and participation is compulsory. A maximum of two classes during the semester can be missed provided that the lecturer is informed about the absence beforehand. Absences of up to four classes in total may be compensated by either a deduction of grading points or/and extra work agreed with the lecturer. Whether compensation is possible is decided by the lecturer.

Further absences cannot be compensated. In this case, or if the lecturer does not allow a student to compensate absences of more than two classes, the course cannot be completed and is graded as a ‘fail’ (5), unless there is a major and unpredictable reason for not being able to fulfil the attendance requirements on the student’s side (e.g. a longer illness). In such a case, the student may be de-registered from the course without grading. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate this in a timely manner, and to provide relevant evidence to their claims if necessary. Whether this exception applies is decided by the lecturer.

If any requirement of the course has been fulfilled by fraudulent means, be it for example by cheating at an exam, plagiarizing parts of a written assignment or by faking signatures on an attendance sheet, the student's participation in the course will be discontinued, the entire course will be graded as ‘not assessed’ and will be entered into the electronic exam record as ‘fraudulently obtained’. Self-plagiarism, particularly re-using own work handed in for other courses, will be treated likewise.

Examination topics

Reading list


Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 12.05.2023 00:20