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: 13.01.2025 - 04.04.2025
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 on technology. The course provides an overview of how the social sciences see the world, especially when it comes to technology and society. The course also sheds light on the 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 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, workshops and group discussions, supported by readings. The grading is based on participation to classes, group work prepared for the workshop, and an independent writing task.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
Lectures, workshops, participating to group discussions, reading literature, preparing group work and other self-study.
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
Readings, lecture materials listed in the course web pages.
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
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: 2024-2025 Spring III - IV
2025-2026 Spring III - IVRegistration:
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 of the Master's Programme 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.