Topics in Sociological Analysis (476-0-22)

Topic

Sociology of Technology

Instructors

Santiago José Molina
Santiago J. Molina (he/they) grew up moving between the United States and central Mexico. He received his PhD in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and his BA from the University of Chicago. Their work sits at the intersections of science and technology studies, political sociology, sociology of racial and ethnic relations, and bioethics. On a theoretical level, Santiago’s work concerns the deeply entangled relationship between the production of knowledge and the production of social order.

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 222: Thurs 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

"Sociology of Technology"

The ubiquity of modern technology has rendered its effects of producing and reproducing power relations increasingly visible. Despite the increased visibility of these effects, the underlying sociological dynamics through which technology is constructed and the mechanism by which power operates through it are elusive. This graduate seminar follows a genealogical approach to the sociology of technology to explore the theoretical and empirical basis behind the thesis that technology and society are co-constituted. To do so, the readings and discussion of this seminar are organized around fundamental questions in the sociology of technology that touch on a wide variety of empirical domains: How and under what conditions do individuals and organizations innovate? How does power become embedded in artifacts, algorithms, and infrastructure? How is the agency of individuals and organizations inflected or shaped by technology? How do visions of the future and expectations surrounding technology operate as modern ideology? We will additionally explore some of the key debates surrounding the study of technology across the social sciences.

Learning Objectives

• Gain a broad understanding of the sociology of technology as a field;
• Gain theoretical and analytical tools to conduct independent research in and contribute to the field of sociology of technology;
• Recognize and understand key theoretical, conceptual, and analytical debates in the study of technology;
• Improve critical reading skills;
• Develop your own perspective regarding key sociological concepts and debates when it comes to technology.

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

Weekly discussion questions; biweekly critical reflection memos; class participation; final paper

Class Materials (Required)

All materials for this course will be made available on Canvas - no purchase necessary.