HIS2930 ¨C Man - Machine - Work. Historiographical perspectives on the interaction of humans and technology

Course content

The growing importance of artificial intelligence and algorithms in everyday life is receiving increasing attention in the public debate.??

In this course, we want to look at the complex relationship between humans and machines in a historical perspective. The focus will be on working life in the 20th and 21st centuries, where discussions about the relationship between humans and technology are particularly well reflected. Discussions about assembly line work, automation and digitalisation come into focus, revealing a dynamic and diverse view of the relationship between humans and machines: while technology can sometimes appear as helper and partner, on other occasions it appears as oppressor, controller or outright threat. If sometimes hopeful visions of a technologically-enhanced labour-free leisure society are evoked, in other cases technological progress is associated with the dystopia of a full replacement of humans by machines or a "dictatorship of algorithms".

Learning outcome

The seminar focuses on research literature and sources that make it possible to measure the relationship between man and machine historically. Although the focus is on historical texts, we will also look beyond the boundaries of the discipline to psychological, philosophical or sociological approaches that sharpen our historical understanding of the topic.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.

Recommended previous knowledge

A good ability to read and understand English is required.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with HIS4930 ¨C Man - Machine - Work. Historiographical perspectives on the interaction of humans and technology.

Teaching

This course is taught in seminars,?where the students will be active participants. Students are expected to prepare the seminar readings for discussion and to contribute orally to the course. Students will also be divided into small working groups to fulfil a set of assignments before and during class meetings.?

The course includes two-half-day seminars in which you will learn about the production of podcasts.

Compulsory assignments:?

• Group presentation

Examination

The course is assessed by a portfolio. The portfolio must consist of the following:?

• An individual "Dissemination Piece" of maximum 2500 words.?

• One group assignment (video or podcast) based on the group presentation.?

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

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.