Critical Perspectives on Technology and Society with Bachelor Thesis

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Bachelor

Teaching semester

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

The course will provide an in-depth study of a topic related to the relationships between information technology, society and culture. The course conveys both broad theoretical perspectives and in-depth study of a specific area.

The specific research focus and themes of the course may vary, and may, for example, be aesthetic, historical, gender-critical, ethnographic, media-critical or philosophical.

Students will develop the ability to reflect critically on how technology affects and is influenced by society and how new cultural dimensions are expressed. They must learn and be able to use theoretical concepts and perspectives in a fruitful way.

The assignment provides training in applying current theoretical perspectives to an area of specialization.

Guidance is given in rules and norms for academic writing.

Learning Outcomes

After completed the course, students will have:

- knowledge of the central problems in the interaction between information technology, society and culture

- insight into the human dimensions of information and communication technology

- knowledge of central theories of technology from a social perspective

- knowledge of the use of theoretical perspectives in the study of technology and society

After taking the course the students should be able to:

- analyze the relationships between technology, culture and society

- independently select and apply relevant theories on issues related to technology and society

- present academic reasoning for choosing a particular theoretical perspective

- Provide a written, scholarly presentation of a subject

The course provides students with a foundation for conducting research and working indepently and is good preparation for the research effort required at the master¿s level.

Required Previous Knowledge

None.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

The builds upon knowledge and skills taught in DIKULT106 or equivalent basic knowledge of technology and society.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

Full overlap with course previously numbered DIKULT206.

Access to the Course

The course is open to all students with the right to study at UiB.

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching is seminar-based and it is expected that students will take active part in discussions in class discussions, and presentations in an online forum as part of the teaching program. Individual supervision will also be given in connection with the writing of term paper.

If less than five students are registered to a course, the department might reduce the teaching, please see the department¿s guidelines regarding this on "My page". Regarding a course where this is a possibility the students get information about this at the beginning of the semester, and before the deadline regarding semesterregistration 1.February/1.September.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Advising is mandatory for all students, with a minimum of two tutorials. The first meeting will take place at the start of assignment writing. The last meeting will take place in connection with the submission of the final draft.

In order to take the exam it is required that the student has participated in at least 75 percent of the teaching and classroom activities. There is a mandatory requirement for an oral presentation of the thesis.

Forms of Assessment

Evaluation is based on the essay (bachelor thesis) of 4000 words (not counting refrences) on a self-chosen problem within the area of ¿¿specialization from the teaching

Grading Scale

Grading scale A - F.

Reading List

The source literature for bachelor¿s thesis is chosen by the student on the basis of the individual topic in consultation with the instructor.

Course Evaluation

Evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the University of Bergen's quality assurance system.