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Class Schedule and Assigned Readings STAS 325 L20 Spring 2013 Tues/Thur: 3:00 5:45 Professor: Dr. Linda Vennard Class Date # #1 #2 May 14 May 16 Topic/Seminar Introduction to the Course What is technology? Seminar #1: Determinism and Technological Determinism Form groups of 4 for project Assigned Readings (*Important additional readings may be assigned) Nye Chapter 1 Nye Chapters 2 & 3 From: The Universal Amplifier (posted on Blackboard): Ch1: Introductory Theory Ch2: What is Tech? Ch 3: Technological Determinism Nye Chapter 4 Nye Chapter 5 From: The Universal Amplifier: Ch4: Technic Frame of Mind Ch5: Intrinsic Characteristics Ch6: Efficiency Posted Readings: Momentum A Concept in Technology Studies (by Andrew Feenberg) Social Construction of Technology (by Deborah Johnson) Notes on the Theory of the Actor Network: Ordering, Strategy and Heterogeneity (by John Law) Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) From: The Universal Amplifier: Ch7: The Techno-Economic System Ch8: Technological Change: Intro Ch9: Innovation and Diffusion Ch10: Trajectory of Devices/Systems

#3

May 21

Seminar #2: Theory Seminar #3: Uniformity or Diversity?

#4

May 23

Project Work Day Reading Catch Up Day

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Ch11: Darwinian Evolution of Machines

#5

May 28

#6

May 30

Proposal and Bib due (5%) Proposal Presentations Test #1 (20%) to and including: Nye Chapter 5 Universal Amplifier 1-13 Posted Readings Seminar #4: Sustainability Sustainable Abundance or Ecological Disaster? Seminar #5: Work More or Less? Better or Worse?

#7

June 4

Seminar #6: Consciousness Expanding Consciousness or Encapsulation? Seminar #7: Invention and Innovation

#8

June 6

Test #2 (20%) to and including:

Nye Chapter 6 Nye Chapter 7 From: The Universal Amplifier: Ch12: The Garment Industry Ch13: Sustainable Energy Ch14: Management of Technological Hazards Ch15: Accidents Ch16: Information Technology Nye Chapter 10 Nye Chapters 8 & 9 From: The Universal Amplifier: Ch17: Privacy Ch18: Views of Nature Ch19: The Green Revolution Ch20: Biotechnology Ch21: Human Reproductive and Genetic Technology Ch22: Genetic Screening Ch23: Work, Jobs & Technical Change Ch24: Resolutique Posted Reading: Rethinking Technology, Revitalizing Ethics: Overcoming Barriers to Ethical Design (by Patrick Feng)

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Nye Chapters 6 -11 Universal Amplifier 14-24 Posted Readings Paper Writing Workshop Class Debate and Position Development: New Technologies and Society Individual Group Project Consultations Class Debate and Position Development: New Technologies and Society Individual Group Project Consultations Papers Due (20%) Presentations (10%) Presentations Class Cancelled

#9

June 11

#10

June 13

#11 #12 #13

June 18 June 20 June 25