INF5011 – Technology Society Ethics
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
In this course we will explore the relations between science, technology, society, and ethics. You will gain understanding of the different theoretical frameworks used to analyse these relations and you will learn how to recognise and address ethical challenges in information technology design and use. You will apply these theoretical perspectives in group discussions and hands-on assignments.
This course is located in Science and Technology Studies (STS). In STS we focus on the social, political, and cultural dimensions of science and technology and how these, in turn, intersect with society, politics, and culture. The basic assumption in this course is that we, as programmers, designers, and technology innovators, contribute to making our future society. We will explore the responsibility of the technology/innovator with practical examples. We will look at the role of values in technology design and use, analyse some contemporary examples, and discuss alternatives.
Learning outcome
After this course you will be able to:
- present and discuss different theoretical perspectives on the relations between science, technology, society, and ethics
- analyse social and ethical challenges in technology design and use
- discuss different perspectives on the social and ethical responsibility of the information technology designer and user
- apply different methods to explore and discuss theoretical concepts and social and ethical challenges
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Please note this is an advanced master course. Teaching, mandatory assignments, and examination will be in English.
Overlapping courses
- 6 credits overlap with IN-SATS
- 10 credits overlap with INF5010 – Social aspects of technology and science (discontinued)
- 10 credits overlap with INF9011 – Science technology society ethics (continued)
- 10 credits overlap with INF9010 – Social Aspects of Technology and Science (discontinued)
Teaching
There will be 3 hours lectures and discussions per week. 80% participation is required.
Mandatory assignments:
- presentation of literature;
- midterm presentation of group reports; and
- a group report.
Examination
The mandatory assignments must be approved prior to the exam. The exam evaluation is based on a written essay (50%) and an oral exam (50%). The written exam needs to be passed before the student can participate in the oral exam. All exams have to be completed in one semester.
Examination support material
All written and printed exam resources are allowed on the exam.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Other
It is strongly recommended to attend the first lecture since it will be given important information.