ECTS Credits:
3,75

Content:
ICT systems – as particular cases of technology – interact with their social and surroundings in very complex ways, and through globalization they have become close to ubiquitous. Dynamic connections between ICT and society exist at all levels up to the global political levels. The course opens up the mind for broad societal and social sciences perspectives on through history as well as in contemporary settings.

Our view on the potential of ICT systems in shaping society and fostering social development and an ecologically sustainable society, as well as ICT itself, is the brainchild of Western history and science. ICT’s potential in addressing the big issues on the international agenda are at present under debate. The course provides input for re-evaluations of systems design and success parameters.

Course Material:
Fairly “fresh” and “broadspectered” literature is chosen for the curriculum, consisting of selected texts from a broad range of sources, corresponding to approx. 150 pages of scientific articles. Lecturer’s foils. See web page. Recommended supplementary reading also listed.

Recommended Background:
None

Teaching Method:
The course will be given through day-long sessions consisting of lectures, student paper presentations, film- and video materials, and discussions.

Learning Goal:
The course shall enable the student to understand a variety of issues relating to the complex dynamics between ICT systems and society. The students shall be able to discuss the role of ICT in social and ecological development, be familiar with the concept of “the network society”.