Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course the student knows the basics of how social scientific thinking and perspectives can be applied in engineering and design work. Especially, the student learns how technology, society and culture are in profoundly reciprocal relationship shaping each other, and therefore, technology should not be seen as a separate from society or culture.


Credits: 5

Schedule: 11.01.2021 - 09.04.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Johanna Ylipulli

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Johanna Ylipulli

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course is designed for engineering and design students who want to learn a societal perspective into technology. The course provides an overview of how social sciences see the world, especially when it comes to technology and society. The course also sheds light on social science methodology, namely how a variety of methods are used in social sciences to study technology – its design and development processes, use and broader societal implications. The course does not aim to convert students into social scientists, but it rather intends to explain how engineering and design work is inherently societal whether the engineer or designer acknowledges it or not.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course teaching consists of lecturers and group discussions, and weekly exercises or readings. The grading is based on participation in class, weekly exercises and an exam.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Lectures and discussions 48 h (2 x 2 h/week, 12 times), exercises 48 h (1 x 4 h/week, 12 times), self-study 39 h (= 135 h in total).

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Readings, lecture materials listed in course web pages.

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    This is a master's level course, so it is assumed that the students have a bachelor's degree or similar level of studies done.

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities