STS 2501 - [Technology in Society]

(crosslisted) ECE 2500, ENGRG 2500, HIST 2500
(HA-AS)

Fall. Not offered: 2020-2021. Next offered: 2021-2022. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Staff.

Investigates the social, technical, political, and economic history of technology in Europe and the United States from the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century to the present. Topics include industrialization, modernization, and globalization. We study such themes as the government’s promotion and regulation of technology; gender, race, and labor issues; and the relationship between technological and social change.

Outcome 1: An appreciation of the historical development of the engineering profession and the role of professional societies in promoting codes of ethics.

Outcome 2: Increased skill in oral and written communication.

Outcome 3: Awareness of the complex relationship between technological changes introduced by engineers
and large social changes (e.g. mechanization of the workplace and home, urbanization, consumerism, and environmental degradation).

Outcome 4: Awareness of current issues such the regulation of telecommunications and the Internet, environmental concerns, and government promotion of technology.