STS: Signs, Nature and Objects II

The objective of the course is to examine historical and contemporary processes by which things (objects, products, and technologies) are created, used, and interpreted as objects of meaning. How do things and society develop in relationship to each other, and how do they change? In order to answer these questions we will use examples from the 20th century. Issues that will be treated are: the relationship between innovation, design, and consumption; the artificial body - about medical knowledge and technology; art, architecture, and technological change; technology and gender; the development of information and transportation technologies; the interplay between science, technology, and environment; the significance of trends, scenarios and images of the future.

The course is an elective for undergraduates specializing in Media Studies in the Art, Media , and Communication Studies Program, and for students taking the IKKE-TEK course in Technology Studies.

Combined with HIST2505, Machines and Factories, the course offers a broad introduction to the modern history of technology.

The objective of the course is to examine historical and contemporary processes by which things (objects, products, and technologies) are created, used, and interpreted as objects of meaning.

Lectures, video and group work. Home exam.