Society and Technology

                                        Fall 2002

The history and future of engineers, technology, and how society should consider them.

This seminar is completely on-line; there will be no class meetings.

Week 1 8/28 to 8/30         Introduction, goals, group formation, assignments

Week 2 9/2 to 9/6             Chapter 1 Discussion Questions 2, 4, 6, 7

Week 3 9/9 to 9/13           Chapter 2 Discussion Questions 3, 4, 8, 10

Week 4 9/16 to 9/20         Chapter 3 Discussion Questions 1, 2, 8, 11

Week 5 9/23 to 9/27         Chapter 4 Discussion Questions 2, 5, 6

Week 6 9/30 to 10/4         Chapter 5 Discussion Questions 3, 6, 8

Week 7 10/6 to 10/11       Chapter 6 Discussion Questions 3, 6, 8, 9, 17

Week 8 10/16 to 10/18     Catch-up time – relax a bit and read something else.

Week 9 10/21 to 10/25     Chapter 7 Discussion Questions 1, 5b, 11, 14

Week 10 10/28 to 11/1     Chapter 8 Discussion Questions 1, 4, 6, 9*

Week 12 11/11 to 11/15     Chapter 10 Discussion Questions 1, 2, 6, 8, 9

Week 13 11/18 to 11/22     Chapter 11 Discussion Questions 1, 2, 5, 8, 9

Week 14 11/25 to 11/26     Break – enjoy the time and your family

Week 15 12/2 to 12/6        Review and discussion – Case essays due.

Week 16 12/9 to 12/10 Study for those finals and keep up the grade point

There will be a forum thread for each of the listed Discussion Questions. You should read the chapter and then enter comments as you see fit before Thursday so we have time to discuss the chapter. If anyone wishes to schedule a virtual class session, let me know. You can always use the group virtual room on your own.

Each student is expected to prepare an essay on one of the many case studies in the text. You choice. The text provides numerous references and the class discussions should also help give you ideas. Your essay should be from 2 to 5 pages long (1.5 spaced, 10 or 12 font). Develop your OPINION and reach a conclusion. Base your opinion and conclusion on various facts you uncover. Be sure to reference any works you cite.

Grades will be based on participation and your essay. 80% on participation. This does not mean logging on and just adding an "I agree" or "How true" to a few comments in the discussion thread. Agree or disagree but say why. (Those of you who have been in my other classes have an advantage – you know I will trick you into a corner. This is one reason I formed groups the way I did. Try an idea there first.)