Universität Wien
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233046 SE Digital: words, people, objects, systems (2025W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 23 - Soziologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Mo 13.10. 17:00-19:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

    Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

    • Tuesday 14.10. 11:15 - 14:15 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
    • Wednesday 15.10. 13:30 - 16:30 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
    • Thursday 16.10. 11:30 - 14:30 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
    • Friday 17.10. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
    • Tuesday 09.12. 12:15 - 14:15 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
    • Wednesday 10.12. 09:00 - 13:00 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
    • Thursday 11.12. 11:30 - 13:30 Seminarraum STS, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/6. Stock, 1010 Wien

    Information

    Aims, contents and method of the course

    This course explores the role of digital technologies in contemporary European societies, drawing on ideas, methods and concepts from Science and Technology Studies (STS) and cognate fields. During the first week (October), we will (re-)visit ideas of technological determinism and solutionism that are often invoked in popular, industry and policy discussions about the ‘inevitability’ of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). There will also be lectures and discussions of literature on selected topics, including robots, healthcare, and infrastructure. We will also pay attention to the ways in which digital technologies are discussed and represented. During the first week (13-17 October), all sessions (except the first) will include activities about non-traditional writing, which will help to prepare you for one of the assessments.
    The second week (9-11 December) will focus on student work, with time for reflection on material discussed in the first week, group presentations, and preparation for the final assessment.

    Assessment and permitted materials

    To pass the seminar, students are expected to complete the following tasks:
    A. Actively participate in class discussion and group work.
    B. Carry out group assignment, involving presentation, podcast and documentation.
    C. Prepare portfolio, including creative or public writing plus reflection on the writing and course as a whole. ‘Creative or public writing’ could include a poem, short story, newspaper column, or something else you think of that needs to be agreed in advance.

    Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

    The grading of the course is based on the separate assessment of the different elements.
    A. Active participation 10% Assessed individually Feedback on request
    B. Group presentation 10% Assessed as group work Feedback in class
    B. Group podcast and documentation, developing presentation 30% Assessed as group work Feedback on request
    C. Individual portfolio, including creative writing plus reflection on creative writing and course 50% Assessed individually Feedback on request

    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 important information on grading, 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 (both for the seminar units & for the tutorials stated) - 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

    Last modified: Fr 27.06.2025 00:02