|
This course connects to the final qualification K1, K3, K6, K4, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 of the PSTS programme, according to the following learning objectives:
The student is able to:
- explain and critically discuss discourse-analytical approaches
- explain and critically discuss the role of discourse in science, technology and society relations
- empirically analyze documents and / or other media from a discourse-analytical perspective
- design a small empirical research project and coordinate research work in a small group
- present research results in a clearly written report
|
|
Technologies and societal discourses are closely intertwined. Emerging technologies, innovations and socio-technical transitions are interwoven with societal discourses that feed into the construction, negotiation and communication of problem definitions, expectations, hopes and fears. In societal discourses and discursive interactions, the societal meaning and evaluation of a technology is taking shape, urgency is created, thereby impacting innovation activities, societal embedding and the governance of innovation. Discourses in different spheres as mass media, social media, policy, or science are connected, but tend to show distinct patterns, due to different discursive rationalities, but also due to different media structuring communication in distinct ways.
The course introduces conceptual perspectives and provides practical exercises in the empirical analysis of discourses and discursive phenomena. The empirical methods taught (content analytical approaches, coding procedures) are widely applicable in qualitative research, such as the analysis of interviews, newspaper articles, blogposts or other types of media.
The course combines the study and discussion of literature with an empirical research project. We encourage to do the project collaboratively, for instance in the form of a comparison of discourses, or discourses in different media. Still, parts of the analysis will be done individually. Individual projects are possible, though rather considered the exemption than the rule.
Teaching methods:
During 8 classes, literature is discussed, methods explained and progress of the research work of the students discussed. Discussions are prepared by the students via reading, assignments and partly presentations, and / or by lectures of the teachers.
Assesment:
Students will be assessed on the basis of their individually written chapters to the final report (80%) as well as on the basis of the jointly prepared chapters of the report (20%). Individual projects will be assessed 100% on the basis of the individual report.
Assessment criteria: quality of analysis and argumentation, quality of conceptual approach, quality of application of methods, coherence of report, academic standards.
Attendance is obligatory.
|
 |
|
|
|
Required: 40 EC from the PSTS year #1 courses completed.
Advised: 201200064 Science and technology studies, 191622510 Technology and social order. |
| Master Philosophy of Science, Technology and Soc. |
| | Required materials-Recommended materialsArticles| Required scientific literature will be published on Canvas. |
|
|
Instructional modesLectorial| Presence duty | | Yes |
| Presentation(s)| Presence duty | | Yes |
| Seminar| Presence duty | | Yes |
|
|
TestsAssignments
|
|
| |