Contents:
This social scientific course that deals with the development and use of environmentally sound technology in modern societies. Global industrial pollution, resource depletion or climate change are often presented as problems that need technological solutions. The social sciences study and critically address these mostly technically defined problems and solutions by using contextual models in which technology is seen as socially constructed and employed as part of the range of social practices that constitute society. Through the readings, lectures, assignments and tutorials students become acquainted with the societal dimensions of planning, designing and managing sustainable technology and technological systems such as urban infrastructures, food and housing and building in the Global North and Global South.
Learning outcomes:
After completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:
recognize and understand theories on social practice, technology and system innovation;
explain and compare social science theories and methods to analyse sustainable technology in society;
apply social science theories and methods to contemporary sustainable technology developments in various contexts (such as urban infrastructures, food, housing and building).
demonstrate knowledge of current socio-technical experiments in technological systems such as urban infrastructures, food, housing and building;
design socio-technological niches for sustainable technology development;
evaluate present day socio-technological experiments in terms of their contribution to technological transitions;
discuss, report, present and defend a case of sustainable technology development within a chosen field;
