Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• identify different theoretical traditions that have revolved around how value is created in society, and describe the role of new technology, innovation and creativity therein,
• relate these theoretical traditions to the conditions and the interests that have marked different societies and the actors within them,
• account for the differences between such traditions by identifying ethical, political and social assumptions that they build upon,
• use these theories as tools for analysing and criticising established ways of understanding creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship,
• utilise the force in theory/philosophy to create alternative models for understanding innovation and for conducting innovative work,
• argue for the relevance in such exercises for contemporary engineering work.

Content

Central theoretical traditions on value and how value is created in society are tied to contemporary discussions on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Orientation and conceptual analysis of different traditions in value theory, along with examinations of how they stand in relation to contemporary theory on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Critical engagement with both theoretical and practical ways of approaching creativity and innovation. Creative work that takes into account contemporary limitations on society, and contributes to the generation of alternative understandings and guidelines for technological development and innovation.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, individual reading and writing tasks, essay writing.

Assessment

Active participation in seminars (5 credits) and essay writing (5 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.