Advanced Topic: Infrastructures & Design

What it is about

You engage in transdisciplinary collaborations of STS researchers with technology developers, political actors and civil society groups, particularly in the context of digital and urban infrastructures. By the end you will be able to situate current approaches to this collaboration, discuss their political implications and analyze the challenges of democratizing infrastructure design.

What you will be able to do

• Analytical reading and critical engagement with advanced social science texts
• Knowledge of contemporary transdisciplinary collaboration approaches in the area of digital and urban infrastructures
• Understanding the political implications of STS research on technologies and infrastructures
• Differentiation of STS approaches to technology assessment in collaboration with politics
• Understanding STS as inventive practice
• Assessment of the challenges of democratizing infrastructure design

What the module consists of

• VorlesungConveying contemporary approaches and background to central authors
• Seminar / Lektürebezogene SitzungenDiscussion of case studies and advanced texts toward developing a common understanding
• Studentische PräsentationenFostering the ability to present ideas clearly and lead discussions

Teaching method

• LecturesIntroduction to approaches and background information on key texts
• Readings & Group ActivitiesTraining in critical handling of texts and case studies to engage with democratization and political implications
• In-class DiscussionsDevelopment of different insights and preparation of the final paper
• Oral PresentationsPromoting clear, concise presentation and discussion leadership