197.125 (21W) Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral

Wintersemester 2021/22

Registration deadline has expired.

First course session
29.10.2021 10:00 - 11:00 online Off Campus
... no further dates known

Overview

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be necessary to make changes to courses and examinations at short notice (e.g. cancellation of attendance-based courses and switching to online examinations).

For further information regarding teaching on campus, please visit: https://www.aau.at/en/corona.
Lecturer
Course title german Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral
Type Proseminar (continuous assessment course )
Course model Online course
Hours per Week 2.0
ECTS credits 4.0
Registrations 24 (30 max.)
Organisational unit
Language of instruction English
Course begins on 29.10.2021
eLearning Go to Moodle course

Time and place

Please note that the currently displayed dates may be subject to change due to COVID-19 measures.
List of events is loading...

Course Information

Intended learning outcomes

subject competences (knowledge in psychology, social sciences, Gender Studies, Science, Technology and Society Studies), methodical competences (literature search, developing arguments and perspectives on questions/topics, critically interpreting/analysing research results and academic publications, interdisciplinary work), social competences (learning from each other, communication, group work), personal competences (self-organisation, structuring work, keeping deadlines, planning a semester)


Fachkompetenzen (Kenntnisse in Psychologie, Sozialwissenschaften, Gender Studies, Science, Technology and Society Studies), Methodenkompetenzen (Literaturrecherche, Entwicklung von Argumenten und Perspektiven zu Fragen/Themen, kritische Interpretation/Analyse von Forschungsergebnissen und wissenschaftlichen Publikationen, interdisziplinäres Arbeiten), Sozialkompetenzen (voneinander lernen, Kommunikation, Gruppenarbeit), Selbstkompetenzen (Selbstorganisation, Strukturierung der Arbeit, Einhalten von Terminen, Semesterplanung)

Teaching methodology including the use of eLearning tools

Lecture/input by instructors with a strong focus on practical examples and research insights; group work (buzz groups, poster design, small group discussion) and discussions (plenary, fishbowl, etc.); individual assignments (one-minute paper, filling out worksheets, guided reading).


Vortrag/Input durch die Lehrenden mit starkem Fokus auf Praxisbeispiele und Forschungserkenntnisse; Gruppenarbeit (Buzz-Groups, Poster Gestaltung, Kleingruppendiskussion) und Diskussionen (Plenum, Fishbowl, etc.); individuelle Aufgaben (One-Minute-Paper, Ausfüllen von Arbeitsblättern, angeleitete Lektürearbeit).

Course content

Today, the interrelationship between technology and society is of great interest in empirical and theoretical discussions. In the proseminar, we will look at everyday technologies and discuss what technologies are (from a sociological perspective) and clarify the interrelationship of technology and society. We will ask how people create and shape technology and how their perspectives, views, beliefs and stereotypes find entrance into technologies which also includes addressing technology from the perspective of gender and diversity. Which technologies are constructed/produced/marketed for whom? What technologies are used by whom? Who is constructing/producing which technologies? By referring to examples like discriminatory artificial intelligence, computer games and robots the students will learn how technological innovations can be created in a responsible and social just way.


Die Wechselbeziehung zwischen Technik und Gesellschaft ist seit geraumer Zeit von großem empirischem und theoretischem Interesse. Im Proseminar werden wir uns daher mit Alltagstechnologien beschäftigen, diskutieren, was Technologien (aus soziologischer Sicht) sind, sowie die Wechselbeziehung von Technik und Gesellschaft klären. Wir werden fragen, wie Menschen Technik erschaffen und gestalten und wie ihre Perspektiven, Ansichten, Überzeugungen und Stereotypen Eingang in Technologien finden, was auch die Perspektive von Gender und Diversity miteinschließt. Welche Technologien werden für wen konstruiert/produziert/vermarktet und von wem genutzt? Wer konstruiert/produziert welche Technologien? Anhand von Beispielen wie diskriminierender KI, Computerspielen und Robotern lernen die Studierenden, wie technologische Innovationen verantwortungsvoll und sozial gerecht gestaltet werden können.

Examination information

Im Fall von online durchgeführten Prüfungen sind die Standards zu beachten, die die technischen Geräte der Studierenden erfüllen müssen, um an diesen Prüfungen teilnehmen zu können.

Examination methodology

Active participation and contributions to discussions, research and preparation of literature, short oral presentations, writing assignments


Aktive Teilnahme und Diskussionsbeiträge, Recherche und Aufbereitung von Literatur, mündliche Kurzpräsentationen, schriftliche Aufgabenstellungen

Grading scheme

Grade / Grade grading scheme

Position in the curriculum

  • Bachelor's degree programme Applied Cultural Studies (SKZ: 642, Version: 16W.2)
    • Subject: Frauen und Geschlechterforschung (Compulsory elective)
      • Frauen- und Geschlechterforschung ( 0.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 3., 4., 5., 6. Semester empfohlen
  • Besonderer Studienbereich Nachhaltigkeit (SKZ: 999, Version: 12W.1)
    • Subject: LV-Pool (Compulsory elective)
      • Nachhaltigkeit ( 4.0h SE / 8.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Bachelor's degree programme English and American Studies (SKZ: 612, Version: 15W.3)
    • Subject: Gender Studies (Compulsory elective)
      • 12.1 Gender Studies ( 0.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Bachelor's degree programme English and American Studies (SKZ: 612, Version: 15W.3)
    • Subject: Freie Wahlfächer (Optional subject)
      • Freie Wahlfächer ( 0.0h XX / 20.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6. Semester empfohlen
  • Bachelor's degree programme Applied Informatics (SKZ: 511, Version: 19W.2)
    • Subject: Kompetenzerweiterung (Compulsory subject)
      • 5.4 Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies, Effektives Management u. Teamarbeit,Technikfolgenabschätzung,Grundbegriffe des öffentlichen u. privaten Rechts,Grundzüge des Rechts der Datenverarbeitung ( 0.0h XX / 3.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3., 4., 5. Semester empfohlen
  • Bachelor's degree programme Applied Informatics (SKZ: 511, Version: 17W.1)
    • Subject: Skills Enhancement (Compulsory subject)
      • 5.4.1 Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies ( 2.0h VC / 3.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1-4. Semester empfohlen
  • Master's degree programme Informatics (SKZ: 911, Version: 19W.2)
    • Subject: Kompetenzvertiefung (Advanced Social and Academic Skills) (Compulsory subject)
      • 2.3.2 LV aus dem Wahlfachstudium Feminist Science/Gender Studies ( 0.0h XX / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 3. Semester empfohlen
  • Bachelor's degree programme Information Management (SKZ: 522, Version: 17W.1)
    • Subject: Gender und Technik (Compulsory elective)
      • 8.4 Gender und Technik ( 0.0h XX / 8.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 5., 6. Semester empfohlen
  • Bachelor's degree programme Management Information Systems (SKZ: 522, Version: 20W.2)
    • Subject: Gender Studies (Compulsory elective)
      • 6.2 Gender Studies ( 0.0h VC, KS, SE / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 3. Semester empfohlen
  • Master's degree programme International Management (SKZ: 908, Version: 19W.1)
    • Subject: Options (Optional subject)
      • Freie Wahlfächer ( 0.0h XX / 9.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Information Management (SKZ: 922, Version: 19W.1)
    • Subject: Complementary Skills (Compulsory subject)
      • 4.3.3 Lehrveranstaltungen aus dem Wahlfachstudium Feminist Sciences/Gender Studies ( 0.0h VC, KS, SE / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 3. Semester empfohlen
  • Bachelor's degree programme Media & Communications (SKZ: 641, Version: 16W.3)
    • Subject: Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies (ab WS20) (Compulsory elective)
      • Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies ( 0.0h XX / 24.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Bachelor's degree programme Information Technology (SKZ: 289, Version: 12W.2)
    • Subject: Kompetenzerweiterung (Compulsory elective)
      • Kompetenzerweiterung ( 0.0h VK/VO/KU/PS / 6.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Masterstudium Information and Communications Engineering (ICE) (SKZ: 488, Version: 15W.1)
    • Subject: Feministische Wissenschaft / Gender Studies: Gender und Technik (NC, ASR) (Compulsory elective)
      • Feministische Wissenschaft / Gender Studies: Gender und Technik ( 0.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Masterstudium Information and Communications Engineering (ICE) (SKZ: 488, Version: 15W.1)
    • Subject: Feministische Wissenschaft / Gender Studies: Gender und Technik (NC, ASR) (Compulsory elective)
      • Feministische Wissenschaft / Gender Studies: Gender und Technik ( 0.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Masterstudium Information and Communications Engineering (ICE) (SKZ: 488, Version: 15W.1)
    • Subject: Feministische Wissenschaft / Gender Studies: Gender und Technik (WI) (Compulsory elective)
      • Feministische Wissenschaft / Gender Studies: Gender und Technik ( 0.0h XX / 6.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Non degree programme Gender Studies (SKZ: 600b, Version: 04W)
    • Subject: Technik (Compulsory subject)
      • Technik und Geschlecht ( 2.0h VP / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Bachelor's degree programme Educational Science (SKZ: 645, Version: 17W.3)
    • Subject: Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies (Compulsory elective)
      • 5.2 Lehrveranstaltungen aus dem Lehrangebot Feministische Wissenschaft/ Gender Studies ( 0.0h VO/PS/KS/SE/VP/VC/VS / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6. Semester empfohlen
  • Bachelor's degree programme Educational Science (SKZ: 645, Version: 13W.2)
    • Subject: Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies (Compulsory elective)
      • LVs aus dem Lehrangebot Feministische Wissenschaft/ Gender Studies ( 0.0h VO/PS/KU/SE/VP/VK/VS / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Adult Learning and Education and Vocational Education and Training (SKZ: 847, Version: 20W.1)
    • Subject: Gender Studies: Transdisziplinäre Perspektiven (Compulsory elective)
      • b6.1 LV zu Gender Studies: Transdisziplinäre Perspektiven ( 0.0h XX / 8.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3. Semester empfohlen
  • Master's degree programme Social Pedagogy and Social Inclusion (SKZ: 846, Version: 20W.1)
    • Subject: Gender Studies: Transdisziplinäre Perspektiven (Compulsory elective)
      • b6.1 LV zu Gender Studies: Transdisziplinäre Perspektiven ( 0.0h XX / 8.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3. Semester empfohlen
  • Master's degree programme Diversity Education in School and Society (SKZ: 545, Version: 20W.1)
    • Subject: Gender Studies: Transdisziplinäre Perspektiven (Compulsory elective)
      • b6.1 LV zu Gender Studies: Transdisziplinäre Perspektiven ( 0.0h XX / 8.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3. Semester empfohlen
  • Master's degree programme School Pedagogy (SKZ: 545, Version: 09W.3)
    • Subject: Gebundene Wahlfächer (Compulsory elective)
      • Module: Frauen- und Geschlechterforschung
        • Feministische Wissenschaft/Genderstudies ( 6.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
          • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Adult and Professional Education (SKZ: 847, Version: 09W.3)
    • Subject: Gebundene Wahlfächer (Compulsory elective)
      • Module: Frauen- und Geschlechterforschung
        • Feministische Wissenschaft/Genderstudies ( 6.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
          • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
            Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3. Semester empfohlen
  • Master's degree programme Social Pedagogy and Integrative Pedagog (SKZ: 846, Version: 09W.3)
    • Subject: Gebundene Wahlfächer (Compulsory elective)
      • Module: Frauen- und Geschlechterforschung
        • Feministische Wissenschaft/Genderstudies ( 6.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
          • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Psychology (SKZ: 840, Version: 12W.4)
    • Subject: Vertiefung Feministische Wissenschaften/Gender Studies (Compulsory elective)
      • Vertiefung Feministische Wissenschaften/Gender Studies ( 0.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Bachelor's degree programme Slavonic Studies (SKZ: 650, Version: 17W.2)
    • Subject: Anderes Gebundenes Wahlfach II (lt. §10 Abs. 1 und 3) (Compulsory subject)
      • WF 6.1 Gender Studies ( 0.0h / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Bachelor's degree programme Slavonic Studies (SKZ: 650, Version: 05W.4)
    • Subject: Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies (Compulsory elective)
      • Module: Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies
        • Feministische Wissenschaft/Gender Studies ( 0.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
          • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Slavonic Studies (SKZ: 850, Version: 17W.1)
    • Subject: Anderes Gebundenes Wahlfach I (lt. §9 Abs. 1 und 2) (Compulsory elective)
      • WF 6.1 Gender Studies ( 0.0h / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Slavonic Studies (SKZ: 850, Version: 17W.1)
    • Subject: Freie Wahlfächer (Optional subject)
      • Freie Wahlfächer ( 0.0h / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Slavonic Studies (SKZ: 850, Version: 11W.2)
    • Subject: Freie Wahlfächer (Optional subject)
      • Freie Wahlfächer ( 0.0h XX / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Erweiterungscurriculum Gender Studies (Version: 16W.1)
    • Subject: Weiterführende LVs der Gender Studies (Compulsory subject)
      • LV Gender Studies ( 0.0h VO,VP,PS, / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Extension programme (UG §54a) Gender Studies (SKZ: 008, Version: 20W.1)
    • Subject: Weiterführende LVen der Gender Studies (Compulsory subject)
      • 2.1.2 LVen Gender Studies ( 0.0h VO, VP, PS, KS, VC / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Extension programme (UG §54a) Sustainable Development and Energy (SKZ: 011, Version: 20W.1)
    • Subject: Gebundenes Wahlfach 1: Vertiefung zu Nachhaltiger Entwicklung (Compulsory elective)
      • 3.1 Lehrveranstaltungen aus Vertiefung zu Nachhaltiger Entwicklung ( 0.0h XX / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Extension programme (UG §54a) Sustainable Development and Energy (SKZ: 011, Version: 20W.1)
    • Subject: Gebundenes Wahlfach 3: Spezialisierung in einem der Vertiefungsfächer (Compulsory elective)
      • 5.1 Lehrveranstaltungen Spezialisierung in einem der Vertiefungsfächer ( 0.0h XX / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Bachelor's degree programme International Business and Economics (SKZ: 516, Version: 19W.1)
    • Subject: Languages/Gender Studies (Compulsory elective)
      • Lehrveranstaltungen aus dem Fach Gender Studies ( 0.0h XX / 8.0 ECTS)
        • 197.125 Technology and Society, or why Technology is never neutral (2.0h PS / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 4., 5., 6. Semester empfohlen

Equivalent courses for counting the examination attempts

There is no equivalent course for the purpose of counting examination attempts.