Actor-Network-Theory
| Module title | Actor-Network-Theory |
|---|---|
| Module code | SOC2040 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Mike Michael (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 25 |
|---|
Module description
This introductory module explores and discusses the development of Actor-Network-Theory (ANT), its central topics, issues, research agendas and theoretical orientations. ANT has emerged from within Science and Technology Studies (STS) and focuses on understanding social processes and controversies as they become visible at the intersection between people, technology, animals and the environment. The aim of ANT is to understand the social and what it means when we speak of society, how power relationships can be analysed in a world that is mediated by technologies and scientific knowledge, how to understand ecological issues, human-animal relations or the role artefacts and objects play in our daily life. Along selected readings, the module will discuss how ANT engages with key issues of social life including technology, science, the body, health, illness, disability and the environment.
The module is appropriate for students with some background in sociology or anthropology, although there are no pre-requisites. This module is suitable for both specialist and non-specialist students and its interdisciplinary outlook will appeal to students in social sciences, anthropology and philosophy.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aims of this module are to introduce ANT, and to explore the development of ANT, its central topics and issues, different research agendas and theoretical orientations. With the use of specific examples, the module will examine key issues of current social life and how the view of ANT offers a novel understanding of the social and society.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate your knowledge of different approaches to the study of Actor-Networks
- 2. Analyse and evaluate key issues in the field of ANT in relation specific themes, studies and findings
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Acquire detailed, systematic and comprehensive knowledge of debates in the field
- 4. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of ANT, and of the way in which those principles have developed
- 5. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of ANT, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of ANT.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Undertake independent study and group work
- 7. Prepare focused and comprehensive written and oral presentations
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
• Origins of ANT
• Experience and Social Facts
• Strong programme, Edinburgh School
• Laboratory Studies
• Sociology of Objects and Technology
• Illness
• Disability
• Human/Animals
• A new Sociology?
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 22 | 11 x 2-hour seminars, involving presentations, group interactive discussion, film presentations and media analysis. Please note that the last two sessions where the students present their essay projects will be held via skype (4 hours) |
| Guided independent study | 18 | Preparing seminar-presentation individually and as a group |
| Guided independent study | 80 | Reading for assignments |
| Guided independent study | 30 | Essay preparation: conducting research, analysing data, and writing the finished essay |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual class presentation primarily oral although power point slides, other media and handouts may be used | 30 minutes | 1-7 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 0 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Essay | 80 | 3,500 words | 1-7 | Written |
| Individual session presentation of readings and leading session discussion | 20 | Each Session, including group work, 30 minutes, moderation of each session, and handing in discussion notes where required, after presentation (on ELE); including in class presentation of essay topic and related literature, 5-10 minutes | 1-7 | Oral and written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar presentation of readings and leading seminar discussion | 1,500 word essay | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
| Research Essay | Research Essay (3,500 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Latour, B. (2015) Re-Assembling the Social. AN Introduction to ANT. Oxford: OUP
Law, J. (1991) (ed.) A Sociology of Monsters. Essays on Power, Technology and Power. London: Routledge.
Law, J. & Hassard, J. (1999) Actor Network Theory and After. Sociological Review Monographs/Oxford: Blackwell.
Mol, A. (2002) The Body Multiple: Ontology in Medical Practice. Durham/London: Duke University Press.
Schillmeier, M. (2010) Rethinking Disability. Bodies, Senses and Things. London: Routledge
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Course materials (including lecture slides and tutorial topics/questions) will be provided on ELE prior to each lecture/tutorial.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 05/01/2015 |
| Last revision date | 08/02/2018 |
