Universität Wien
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233031 KO Discussion Class Knowledge and Technology Cultures (2026S)

1.00 ECTS (1.00 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

  • Wednesday 04.03. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien (Kickoff Class)
  • Wednesday 18.03. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 25.03. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 22.04. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 20.05. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 10.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In the lecture (to be registered separately) and the discussion class, we will develop an overview of work engaging with two central tenets of STS research.

1) That both scientific knowledge and technologies are developed in social and cultural contexts, and that these contexts impinge on the form and political implications of the respective knowledge and technological artefacts.
2) That scientific knowledge and technologies are both an integral part of our cultures and strongly shape them - we indeed live in technological cultures and in knowledge societies.

To cover this broad field, the semester will be a journey through quite different topics and to many different places, from the arcane citadels of contemporary research to the mundane everyday use of technologies. We will engage with laboratory studies and newer approaches to analyze scientific knowledge production, particularly in the changing institutional landscapes of today; we will scrutinize how technological innovations are brought into being and how much our contemporary societies depend on technological infrastructures; and we will trace the ways in which techno-science has become part of our everyday cultures, and how both scientific and technological change affect some of the most basic categories of our living in the world.

Assessment and permitted materials

The aim of the discussion class is to interactively deepen students’ knowledge of the concepts and cases introduced in the lecture. The discussion class builds on discussion and the active participation of all students. For each workshop one group of students will act as 'workshop leaders'.

Further, each student will read a book related to the lecture topic and write a book review of 1200-1500 words. The review should not be a chapter-by-chapter description of the book, but rather give the reader a good overall idea of the topic and the argument of the book. Try to identify the author’s main thesis or concern and describe how she/he develops it in the book. Describe which central concepts the author uses, how they are defined, and how they are used (e.g. in debating empirical material). Concluding the review, (a) comment on whether the book presents a convincing and well-rounded argument (that is, whether it comprehensively answers the questions it outlines), (b) comment on how the book’s argument relates to the overall topic of the class and (c) give a personal opinion of your reading experience.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The grading of the course is based on the separate assessment of different tasks on a scale of 1-5. The relative weight of each task in relation to the overall grade is: In-class-participation: 40 percent, assessed individually, feedback on request; Workshop facilitation: 30 percent, assessed individually, feedback on request; Book Review: 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.
If not explicitly noted otherwise, all requirements mentioned in the grading scheme and the attendance regulations must be met. For more information please see the handout.

Attendance
Please note: If you miss the first session of the course unexcused, you will be automatically de-registered. Presence and participation is compulsory (for details, see course regulation in the handout).

Guidelines for the use of AI tools
If you use AI (e.g. Chat GPT or similar software) as a supporting tool in your assignments, this should be acknowledged openly and clearly, so that the instructor is aware of where and to what extent the AI tool was used.

Examination topics

Reading list

Association in the course directory

MA HPS neu: Modul 1.1, Modul 1.2, Modul 1.3

Last modified: Mo 27.07.2026 09:27