Sociotechnical Theory and Analytical Methods, CPH (2013)

Welcome to Sociotechnical Theory and Analytical Methods

Description:
A Ph.D. course in Sociotechnical Theory and Analytical Methods will be offered at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Aalborg University/Copenhagen. The course is intended for students already familiar with Science and Technology Studies (STS), while those who may be relatively new to the field may also apply. Course supervision will emphasize the individual participants’ Ph.D. projects, in relation to the course’s subject matter.

The course addresses analytical challenges and methodological issues, focusing on Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Social Construction of Technology (SCOT), while engaging also Domestication of Technology, ‘Post-ANT’ and the notion of Boundary Objects, in more delimited capacities. Central to the course will be 1) working reflexively with how the empirical material plays a role in one’s scoping and building of theory; and 2) conversely, how theoretical insights help in guiding analytical work based on one’s empirical material.

The course is open to both participants within, as well as outside of, the Doctoral Program in Design & Innovation - a shared Doctoral Program between AAU and DTU. The maximum number of participants is 15 and the minimum number of participants is 8.

Preparations and assignments: Participants are expected to prepare a brief project description (see further details below), in connection with the application procedure. In addition, once accepted, participants will be given a syllabus to read prior to the course, as well as be asked to prepare a brief 15-minute presentation of their project to date, for when we meet for the first part of the course.

During the interim between the June and August dates, the participants are to develop a working paper (on the order of 10-15 pages), drawing upon relevant aspects of the course’s subject matter. It may be a position paper with the aim to address the dissertation’s theoretical scope and orientation, and/or preliminary work on the actual analytical treatment of empirical material. The nature of the draft can depend on how far into the dissertation work the participant is at that point in time. The draft is intended for the participant to be able to discuss and receive critique on writing that would be relevant for the dissertation work, and which may ultimately be incorporated into the dissertation.

How to apply: Application to the course may be made by e-mail to Yutaka Yoshinaka: yosh@dtu.dk and should contain the following:
• A brief document (2-3 pages), submitted in Word, comprising of a project description, including a delineation of some tentative research questions and indication of the empirical domain of inquiry for the project at hand. It would be useful, if you have already a couple months of empirical work to concretely drawn on, by the course start date.
• Your motivation for wishing to enroll in the Ph.D. course. You may relate the course’s subject matter (STS) to any main theoretical and methodological challenges or concerns you may have at present, and are keen on addressing and working with during the course.
Deadline for applications is Monday, March 11, 2013.

Applicants will receive notification of acceptance by Monday, April 1, 2013.

Course fee: Participation in the course is free of charge, while any expenses toward accommodation or transportation for participating in the course must be met by the participants themselves.

Organizer:
Hanne Lindegaard, Associate Professor, email: hannelin@plan.aau.dk , Søsser Brodersen, Postdoc., C-DIST - Center for Design, Innovation and Sustainable Transition, Department of Development and Planning, AAU-CPH, email: sbro@plan.aau.dk

Lecturers:
Søsser Brodersen, Department of Development and Planning, AAU-CPH, and Yutaka Yoshinaka, Associate Professor, DTU Management Engineering, email: yosh@dtu.dk

ECTS: 5

Time: The course is organized in two parts.
Part 1: May, 6-8, 2013 and
Part 2: August 13-14, 2013

Place: DTU and Aalborg University, Copenhagen

Zip code: 2450

City: Copenhagen

Number of seats: 15

Deadline: Monday, March 11, 2013.


Important information concerning PhD courses

We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 5,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately three months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.