HUM 262 – History, Technology and Society
Course Content:
This course is designed to evaluate the profound effects of technological advancements on social structures, daily life, and political power dynamics throughout history. In other words, the ultimate goal of this course is to examine the social, economic, and political dimensions of technology from a historical and sociological perspective, rather than merely as technical progress. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technological innovations, occurring especially from the Middle Ages to today’s artificial intelligence, have reshaped societies.
Topics Covered:
Week 1: Introduction and Presentation
Week 2: Early Technologies and the Birth of Civilizations
Week 3: Science and Technology in the Ancient World
Week 4: Science and Technology in the Middle Ages
Week 5: The Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution
Week 6: Industrial Revolution (I)
Week 7: Industrial Revolution (II) and Technological Systems
Week 8: Midterm Exam and Evaluation
Week 9: Science and Technology at the Beginning of the 20th Century
Week 10: Development of Computer and Information Technologies
Week 11: Biotechnology and Medical Technologies
Week 12: Technology, Environment, and Sustainability
Week 13: Technology and Society in the Digital Age
Week 14: The Future of Technology and General Evaluation
Instructor
