Course scope
The starting point is a critical examination of the assumption that technology develops independently of society and functions as a neutral tool. Participants analyse the reciprocal relationship between technological change and social values, institutions, economic interests and everyday practices. They engage with selected classical and contemporary sociological approaches, including perspectives associated with Manuel Castells and Bruno Latour.
The subject explores the influence of technology on communication, interpersonal relationships and the formation of identity in a network society. It also examines changes in work, economic models, education and access to information. Who designs technological solutions, whose needs are incorporated into them and which groups may be excluded from their use?
A separate area concerns the political consequences of technology, including new forms of civic participation and wider access to public debate, as well as surveillance, concentrated control and unequal access to infrastructure. Technologies are assessed within their social contexts, with attention to both intended and unintended consequences.
The teaching approach connects theory with the careful analysis of everyday practices. The central question is not only what a technology makes possible, but also which relationships and values it reinforces. Openness involves considering different perspectives, while responsibility requires a conscious assessment of the consequences of designing and implementing particular solutions.
The classes also introduce elements of social design. Participants consider how technologies may respond to the actual needs of individuals and communities without reducing innovation to technical performance or economic profitability.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the classes, participants are able to:
- explain the reciprocal relationships between technological development and social change;
- apply selected sociological concepts to the analysis of technology and network society;
- analyse the influence of technology on identity, communication, work, politics and education;
- identify interests, values and power relations embedded in the design and use of technology;
- evaluate the social benefits, limitations and unintended consequences of technological change;
- formulate responsible assumptions for technological solutions that take account of different social groups.
Teaching methods
- critical analysis of selected sociological texts and concepts;
- case studies of the social consequences of technological implementation;
- mapping the actors, interests and relationships surrounding a selected technology;
- comparative analysis of technological change in work, politics and education;
- facilitated discussion of ethics, responsibility and the social direction of innovation.
These methods connect general theoretical perspectives with the analysis of specific technological decisions and their significance for different social groups.
Target group
The classes are intended primarily for students of sociology, communication, media, political science, economics and technical disciplines. They are also relevant to those interested in the social consequences of innovation, digital transformation and responsible technology design.
Academic and professional relevance
The subject develops a critical understanding of technology as a social, cultural, political and economic phenomenon. It provides a foundation for further study of network society, digital communication, science and technology studies, and the social dimensions of innovation.
The competencies developed are relevant to service design, communication, social research, public policy and technology implementation. They support the evaluation of solutions not only in terms of functionality, but also accessibility, responsibility and their impact on social relationships.