The course extends over two years, i.e., eight periods. Each period includes different subjects. Main themes for the course are: the role of engineers and the technology in society, social and ethical aspects, the responsibility of people for how the technology is used, the international labour market, culture and communication.

After passing the course, the student shall be able to

- discuss central questions linked to the importance of engineers in society

- discuss and analyse the role of the technology in society, especially information and network engineering, and its role to reach economically, socially and ecologically sustainable development

- discuss and analyse scientific, social and ethical aspects of research and development

- discuss and analyse human responsibility for how the technology is used including the connection to equal opportunities, equality and diversity as well as environment and working environment

- discuss and analyse challenges of working in an international environment such as cultural differences and questions regarding equality and inclusion

- discuss the above-mentioned subjects at a high level

- give arguments based on scientific results

- meet deadlines

- write short, clear arguing texts based on own analysis as well as given material

The course consists of one discussion seminar in each period. Seminars are organized for small group of 8-12 students from year 1 and 2, and are led by a mentor. The seminars follow the same pattern.

Before the seminar reading material and reflection questions are published on the course home-page. You have to read the material and prepare a 500-600 word (ca. one page) reflection along the lines of the given questions. In addition to the topic specific reflection, you should also prepare a very short response on your progress, challenges and plans in the master program. All reflections are made available to the discussion group before the seminar. You need to submit your reflection one week before the seminar.

At the seminar you present and discuss your reflection with the peers. In the second part of the seminar the group discusses the actual courses within the program. After the seminar you get feedback on your reflection. You will need to consider this  feedback when you write reflections in the coming periods.

It is compulsory to submit all reflection documents and participate in all seminars, and you need to arrive on time for the seminars.

If you know in advance that you cannot participate on the seminar, you need to contact the mentor. If possible, you will be placed in another group. If you miss a seminar, you need to write a summary report of 1000-1200 words (ca. two pages), reviewing and elaborating on the reflections of the other students in the group. You need to submit this “reflection over the reflections” in agreed time.

The activities in each period, are described in the corresponding module in Canvas.

Reading material for each seminar will be provided in the corresponding module in Canvas.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• UPP1 - Assignments, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• UPP2 - Assignments, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Participation in all seminars, submitted and passed assignments. The grading is based on the student's active participation in the discussions and on the quality of the submitted reports.

The grade is based on the results achieved in the individual seminars.

Grading for each individual seminar:

• Reflection:
  • All reflections are compulsory.
  • 2 points: The reflection is submitted in time, is well-written in terms of structure, language, reference handling and argumentation, and shows good ability to discuss the given topic based on own analysis as well as other literature.
  • 1 point: The reflection is submitted in time and discusses the given topic. The document structure and language is at an acceptable level,
    or
    The reflection fulfils the criteria for 2 points, but is submitted late.
  • 0 points: The reflection is submitted very late (more than one week after the seminar), fails to cover the given topic, or is written in very poor English. 

• Seminar participation
  • Participation in all seminars is compulsory
  • Active participation on the meeting: 1 point
• Missed seminar
  • Agreed in advance and the replacement summary report is submitted before the agreed deadline: 1 point
  • Not agreed in advance and/or the summary report is submitted late: 0 points

Maximum number of points:  8*3=24

Grades 

Fx: If you miss the E level with n points (e.g, if you have 10 points, then n=1) write an n page long document to pass the course. Topic: On the contribution of Information and Network engineers to the sustainable society.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Code of honor

In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see: http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.

Use of generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, is not permitted for the written assignments!