EXP 1403 - Technology and Society

Credits: 3

Explorations Courses focus on enduring questions. Enduring questions do not have easy answers; instead, they encourage examination of complex issues from multiple perspectives, introspection, evidence-based arguments, and learning how to respectfully discuss controversial and difficult topics. This course examines how science and technology are the linchpins of economic growth and prosperity. Over the past two centuries humans have made great technological progress. Steam engines, electricity, automobiles, telephones, transistors, computers and the internet have carried us through several industrial revolutions and renewed cycles of economic prosperity. Nowadays, emerging technological fields such as nano, bio, information and cognitive technologies are opening up further doors for innovation beyond imaginable. However, there always has been evidence supporting both the benefits as well as perils of technology. For instance, fossil fuel engines reduced physical distances and enhanced industrial productivity but also led to global warming. The internet offers great communications and exchange opportunities, at the same time creating social isolation and information privacy issues. The question is do technologies determine their consumption or is it the users who choose good or bad uses of otherwise neutral technologies? What is the role of users’ context in shaping up good or bad uses of technologies? The overarching focus of this course is thus familiarizing participants with the inter-twined nature of technology and society. A number of cases on the internet, social media, bio-technology, bio-ethics, and clean energy will demonstrate how technology and society shape each other. Students will also examine the Merrimack Connections curriculum.