We live in a society saturated with
technologies, yet seldom pause and reflect on them. How are technology and
society related? How does technology change society, and vice versa? The
answers to these questions are complicated and open-ended. This course is
designed to provide students with theoretical tools to begin asking questions
for themselves and seeking better answers. Over the course of the semester, we
will examine key themes in technology studies that involve the social,
political, economic, and cultural contexts in which technological artifacts are
imagined, created, and consumed. Special emphasis will be paid to interactive
technologies and robotics.
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to do the
following:
•
Explain a variety of academic positions
informing the study of technology and society
•
Make connections between patterns of technological
and socio-cultural change
•
Apply the theoretical perspectives we have
studied to specific socio-technological objects (i.e., be able to relate
theoretical arguments to specific examples).
•
Be able to engage in a sophisticated and
respectful class discussion of topics relevant to technology and society