Anthropology of Technology

What does it mean to be human in the age of technology? In this course you will get a theoretical and practical introduction to the anthropology of technology, with an emphasis on exploring concrete technologies in different contexts. Relevant examples are advanced technologies for representation and communication, technologies of production, gene technologies and technologies of re-production. In this way, questions about how technology is part of human relationships is raised: in how humans understand reality, in the deep structures of society, and in how technology gives and has given new development opportunities and dreams of the future.

You will understand technology as artefact, as a field of knowledge and as a worldview. Based on this you will be able to conduct anthropological analyses on technology in the social, where constructive-critical reflection and precise argumentation is emphasized. In order to actualize research questions, theory and method discussions teaching activities will be conducted in relevant technological contexts. By participant observation, you will be encouraged to reflect upon your encounters with technology, which will enhance understanding regardless of how comfortable you are with modern technology. You will work with and in a technological environment, and this course seeks to provide both theoretical and practical relevant learning outcomes.

The teaching is structured as lectures and seminars where the students will enter different technological settings and conduct technology-anthropological analyses. Parts of the teaching will take place as experimenting in a cooperative lab that is used to support operations at the International Spacestation (ISS). There will be Norwegian and international guest lecturers from relevant sectors of industry and research milieus.

Please note that mandatory activities and lectures may start prior to the registration deadline.

Mandatory activity

The mandatory activity in this course is a mini field work. The mandatory activity will be assessed as approved or not approved. The mandatory activity has to be approved in order to qualify for the exam.

SANT2020, SANT2021, SANT2024 and SANT3508

Minimum 15 credits will be offered in the spring semester. Which courses that are offered will be announced on the course description.