This course draws on techniques and perspectives from the social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies to explore technology and change in the modern era. In particular, students examine how technology influences and is influenced by values and cultures in America and abroad. The course helps students recognize the range of consequences that technology in general, and information and communication technology (ICT) in particular, have when shaped and used by individuals, organizations, and society. Through readings, discussion, lectures, and written assignments, students become acquainted with current controversies related to the socio-cultural dimensions of technology in the '93digital era.'94 While the course examines the impact of technologies'97including video gaming and robotics'97on the contemporary world, it also uses an historical approach to address some of the technological innovations that have most affected U.S. society in the past. n
The course considers how technologies are developed and sustained, and how they interact with and affect our urban culture. Specific themes likely to be addressed include technology'92s impact on the private and public spheres; the body and the self in cyberspace; and the criteria used to determine a technology'92s success, failure, and danger.
Prerequisites
None