After successful completion of the course, students are able to...

…name core historical and current-day approaches to critical theory and applications thereof
…demonstrate sensitivity towards complex issues surrounding equity regarding gender, class, race, disability and colonialism 
…analyse and discuss the potential eff ects and impacts of technological design around diff erent notions of exclusion 
… formulate and argue for critical alternatives in technological design 

…critically reflect on technological developments and current trends   
…evaluate and communicate trade-off's in the design and development of technology

This course introduces strands of Critical Theories as they relate to Media Theory and Computer Science. It spans across positions from the Frankfurt School and early critique on mass media to examples of critique within today’s technological make-up. Within the course, students will engage with different axes of critique along surveillance, gender, race and disability, among others. Each session will consist of an introduction into the core ideas, a discussion of an associated text in a seminar style and hands-on exercises engaging with different forms of critique, criticism and critical theory on current technological trends. 

Successful completion of the course counts for 6 ECTS, relating to 150 hours of work. These are expected to be allocated as follows: 30h In-class attendance 90h Individual and Group Work 30h Final Essay (or alternative)   Individual and Group Work includes preparatory reading for the seminar, reflective blogging and preparation of seminar presentations as well as continuous development of a personal reference booklet.  

Students can propose individualised forms of assessment or write an essay to pass the class.