PL 212- SYLLABUS

Spring 2005

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Introduction W, Feb. 2 –Getting started
Technology -- what is it? M, Feb. 7— The promise and perils of technology	Readings: Dyson, W&E, l.10 Strong, W&E, l.12
W, Feb. 9— Historical perspectives	Readings: Cowan, W&E, l.4 Burke, W&E, l.2
M Feb. 14— Philosophical perspectives
W Feb. 16— Social perspectives	Readings: Jonas, W&E, l.9 Noble, W&E, l.3
Technology: Design and Aesthetics M. Feb. 21—Style W. Feb. 23—Substance
M. Feb. 28—Bad design	Readings: Postrel, The Substance of Style
The Proper Function of Engineers W. Mar. 2—What the engineer does
M. Mar. 7— What the engineer should do and why	Readings: Florman, The Existential Pleasures of Engineering The art of structural engineering (R)
Biotechnology W. Mar. 9— Cloning	Readings: Wachbroit, Kass, W&E, II.9; II.11
M. Mar. 14— EXAM-1 DUE; Agricultural technology
W. Mar. 16—Genetic engineering and the “natural”	Readings: Sagoff, W&E, ll.12
Spring Break Mar. 21 – 25
Computers M. Mar. 28—The Computer and the Internet
W. Ap. 6—Deskilling	Readings: Taylor and other handouts (R)
M. Ap. 11—The meanings of domestic work	Readings: Bush, W&E, I.5
Globalism W. Ap. 13— The global economy	Readings: Sachs, UN Statement, W&E, II.1; II.4
Technology and the Environment M. Ap. 18— Energy and Appropriate Technology
W, Ap. 20–– Planet earth	Readings: Hardin, Trenberth, W&E, II.13; II.14 Lovins W&E, II.16 Rocky Mountain Institute (R)
Technology and the City M. Ap. 25— The development of the city
W. Ap. 27—The future city	Readings: Rybczynski, City Life
Why Things Bite Back M. May. 2—ESSAYS DUE; Revenge theory
W. May. 4—Summing Up	Readings: Tenner, (R)
EXAM-2 DUE –– Final exam period