Time Schedule:
Steven W. Collins
BIS 307
Bothell Campus
Explores the nature of technological creativity and its impacts on global society from antiquity to the present. Topics include the sources of technological innovation, the connections between inventions and technologies across time and space, the impact of culture and geography on technological change, and the social history of technological change in the United States.
Class description
Global history of science and technology. Sources of technological creativity. Interaction between technological change and change in other spheres of human activity, including culture, politics, religion, and economy.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures combined with small group activities.
Recommended preparation
No formal preparations required or expected. Students should have an interest in reading world history and the history of science and technology (including but not limited to the origins of classical and modern physics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, mechanics, electronics, the automobile, television, and biotechnology).
Class assignments and grading
Varies. Likely scenarios include the following: Exams: May be a combination of an in-class midterm exam and take-home final, or several short quizes (scheduled or unscheduled) and a take-home final. Writing: Short essays based on required readings; depending on the quarter, a longer research paper on the history of a particular technology may be included. Other: Questions and problems to be done in and/or outside of class, usually in small groups.
Varies by quarter, but typically as follows: Research project, parts of which are submitted throughout the quarter: 25-30 percent. In-class exams: 30-40 percent. Short essays: 30-40 percent (higher if no research project). In-class exercises and participation: 10-20 percent.
