Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The purpose of this project module is to conduct ethnographic fieldwork to gain insight into scientific and technological practices within a chosen technology domain, and to liaise ethnographic fieldwork to technological product / process development or testing.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• identify methods and theories that support studies of scientific and technological practices
• explain the methods of ethnographic fieldwork, including participant observation and the use of field notes and interviews
• explain quality criteria of ethnographic methods and anthropological knowledge production

Skills

• plan and carry out ethnographic fieldwork
• discuss how the project’s fieldwork build upon the student(s)’ own disciplinary background(s)
• liaise ethnographic fieldwork to technological product / process development or testing
• liaise ethnographic practice with theoretical insight specific to technological product / process development or testing

Competences

• on the basis of ethnographic methods assess practical problems associated with technological product / process development or testing
• assess potentials and limitations of various ethnographic approaches, including those related to the validity of ethnographic methods as well as to the ethical dimensions of ethnographic work
• evaluate how socio-technical/anthropological theories and ethnographic methods can help create new practices in scientific and technological research and development

Type of instruction

Project work, supervisor feedback, seminars, reflection

Exam

Exams