AK1203 Industrial History - Society in Transition 7.5 credits

This course searches for the roots of society’s ongoing transformations in the industrial society’s own history. We contrast globalisation and contemporary technological change with historical change since the early days of industrialism. What actually in the new society is new? How new is that novelty, and which features are indeed remainders of the past?
This course focuses on people, the built environment, landscapes, production, work and lifestyle. We will visit old and new historical industrial sites; interpret the marks of industry in art, literature and film; and discuss the changed status and content of engineering as a profession.

When completing the course the student will:

• know the fundamental features of the process of industrialisation in Sweden and in the world,
• master the required knowledge to conduct critical discussions about the relation between industrial society and post-industrial society,
• be able to use fundamental tools for field analysis of industrial sites and industrial buildings,
• be able to conduct a delimited industrial-historical study out of several types of sources,
• be able to use theoretical and methodological tools from the field of industrial history to present the results of the study in written form.

Applicants registered on a regular KTH programme are eligible.

For applicants not registered on a regular KTH programme: Documented completed upper secondary education, including proficiency in Swedish and English.

No recommended prerequisites.

None.

The course literature consists of books and articles (approx. 600-700 p.) that explain the transition in society, give examples of the transformation of industrial sites and deal with methodological issues.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

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.

The examination of this course consists of an essay( 10-15 pp). The student is also required to comment on another course participant’s essay in written and oral form; write a short reflection on an excursion or a short book review; and to participate actively in the seminars.

In preparation for each lecture, the student need to write half a page about different questions based on the course literature.

Lecture attendance and active participation in the seminars and fieldworks are required to pass the course. The fieldwork is concluded by an essay that is examined in a seminar.

The course is graded A-F

Per Högselius

• 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.

For advanced studies within this field after completing this course, you may apply for a masters thesis project in History of Science and Technology (AK221X).

Classes are taught in late afternoon / evenings, with the exception of field work and excursions to historical industrial sites.

The course is taught in period 3 and 4 (spring term).

Former course code: 4D1211