Actor-network sociology

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

How to understand the formation and the transformation of Society through its scientific or technological stakes? Which are the social and political stakes of scientific and technological developments?
The sociology of the actor-network (Actor-Network Theory) proposes a multidisciplinary approach which tries to transcend the compartmentalization between social sciences and natural or applied sciences.
Course contents :

• General introduction to STS (Science, Technology and Society) and context of emergence of ANT (Actor-Network Theory);

• Philosophical and epistemological's drive of ANT;
  
• The concepts of ANT;
  
• Methodological consequences for the analyst;
  
• The ANT from the point of view of the practician : presentation of case studies;
  

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of the course, students should be able to... :

• Master the philosophical and empirical dimension linked to the ANT's approach;
  
• Undergo an empirical application of the theory (thesis, diagnostical expertise);
  
• Spot the transformation of the way to define the problem at hand and their effects...

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None: the course is organised in a way that enable students coming from different backgrounds (Humanities, Social sciences, Sciences, Applied sciences and Medecine) to benefit from the approach . It is a way - for some of them - to enter the social and humanistic realms through technical or scientifical practices or controversies.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The course is organized through lectures, debates on STS articles, and case studies presentations by invited researchers.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

A collection of readings will be given to the students at the beginning of the course.

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Oral examination.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

François Mélard Phone: +00 32 63/230 901 E-mail : f.melard@ulg.ac.be