TIK4031 ¨C Methods in science, technology and innovation studies

Course content

This course combines lectures and workshops on methodological approaches and techniques that are relevant to the fields of Innovation Studies and Science and Technology studies. It puts weight on:

• a critical approach to the relations between subjects and objects of research, including an introduction to action and collaborative research,

• a critical approach to ¡°the empirical¡± as what is to be methodologically captured, including how to design cases, and

• an introduction to method as a process, from design to data collection, recording and analysis.

• reporting results

The lectures and workshops provide theoretical and practical tools for the student to be able to understand and use a compressive range of methods at a master level. The course covers a selection of qualitative and quantitative methods (interviews, ethnographic participant observation, document analyses, econometrics¡­). The course covers also emerging digital methods such as web-scraping and issue mapping tools.

Learning outcome

• The students will acquire a general knowledge on what methods are, how they work and what their use is.? ?
• Students will be able to understand a comprehensive range of methods in the fields of STS and Innovation studies.
• Students will be able to put methods in practice and to make use of them. The emphasis is on developing practical skills.

Admission to the course

• TIK4031 is offered to TIK master students. ESST students will also be able to register to TIK4031 (non-compulsory).
• Other students may apply for admission to the course to?info@tik.uio.no.

Recommended previous knowledge

Formal prerequisite knowledge

No mandatory?prerequisites, but it is recommended that the candidates have completed?TIK4001?or equivalent before registering for TIK4031.

Teaching

The course combines lectures with workshops:

1. The lectures are based on obligatory readings. It is required that the students will read those texts in preparation. The lectures include discussions on those texts. Active participation is expected.

2. In each workshop the students will practice methods design, data collection and analysis when required. This will result in a written piece to be submitted on CANVAS (3-4 in total). The assignments will be available on CANVAS in advanced. The assignments are developed individually.

80% attendance is mandatory.

Examination

The exam is a 7 days take-home exam.

Language of examination

The exam assignment will be given in English. ESST students must write their exam paper in English, while TIK students may choose between English and Norwegian.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.