STS: Energy, Environment and Society I

The course provides an introduction to social science perspectives on issues related to energy and the environment. It focuses on the following main issues: An historical overview of the Norwegian energy system, the development of energy technologies, energy supply and energy policy. Political strategies for sustainable energy. Processes of innovation, commercialisation and technological change. The understanding of energy users in technological design and in policy instruments. Energy actors and their role in the making of a more sustainable production and consumption of energy. Strategies for climate adapation. Energy, sustainability and democracy.

The course shall provide students with an overview of social science theories and concepts useful to the study of energy issues emerging with respect to political, economical, cultural and environmental concerns. Students shall become familiar with main social science approaches to understand the social role of energy. They shall learn to analyse issues with regard to the production and consumption of energy, emphasising the social features of technologies developed to make energy available to society, preferably in a sustainable fashion..

The teaching will be process-oriented, with an emphasis on making the students familiar with relevant social science concepts and how they may be used in concrete analysis of issues emerging in the area of energy and sustainability. The teaching consists of lectures, student activities and discussions. Four minor term papers must be passed in order to take the exam. The course is graded on the basis of a four hours written exam. If less than five students register for this course, all instruction and/or individual supervision has to be agreed upon with the Department for Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture.