TU-E6150 - Technology and Society D, Lecture, 9.1.2023-31.3.2023

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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 a profoundly reciprocal relationship shaping each other, and therefore, technology should not be seen as a separate from society or culture.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 09.01.2023 - 31.03.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

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

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

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    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 for whole curriculum period:

    The course teaching consists of weekly lectures, seminars and group discussions, supported by readings. The grading is based on participation to classes, group work prepared for the seminar and an independent writing task.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures 24 h (2 x 2 h in the first week, then 2 h/week, 10 times), seminars 20 h (2 h/week, 10 times), participating to group discussions 20 h (2 h/week, 10 times), reading literature, preparing group work and other self-study 70 h (= 134 h in total).

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    5 Gender Equality

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    10 Reduced Inequality

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    16 Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Spring III - IV
    2023-2024 Spring III - IV

    Enrollment :

    If there is a need to limit the number of students, then the admission to the course will occur in the following order: 1) students chosen to complete a major in information networks, 2) other Aalto students. Bachelor's students can be accepted if the bachelor's degree is almost completed, and the smooth progress of studies requires the commencement of master's studies.

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof