- this course is involves active learning and participation

Topics to be considered:

bioethics/medical/health computers and information technology employment futuristist ideas science religion

social issues art science fiction entertainment environmental

Course goals:

The aim of this course is to examine the relationship between technology and culture in the broadest sense, from the role of tools used in society to the impact of high technology in post-industrial societies. The course begins with an overview of the theoretical approaches to the linkage between technology, culture and society. We will examine the role of technology as a determinant of culture. Particular attention will be given to the diffusion and transfer of new technology and its impact on social development

Communication using blogs

You will be required to set up a blog space for online discussions. You will be required to submit weekly reflections on the assigned dates. At one point we will have a discussion using the blog as a medium. Set up a blog account with the new Penn State Blog system. Go to: http://blogger.psu.edu/help/getstarted.

What is a blog? A frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links.

Internet features of the course:

You need to use the Internet in this course. If you do not have a connection elsewhere, the computer labs at the University are filled with computers with connections. Please report any errors in the web pages to the instructor by email. All of the pages will be available through Angel (http://cms.psu.edu).

Films:

Films related to the material will be shown in class. The students are responsible for knowing their content and being able to discuss them.

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• This list represents the plan for CAS-383. Please note that it is merely a *plan*. Actual dates may change due to snow, illness or other unforeseen problems. Please use this as a guide and keep looking for any changes.

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CLASS SCHEDULE

Course Text Books

Technology and the Future, Albert Teich ( 10th edition)

Culture and Technology, Andrew Murphie and John Potts

Grading

100 percent total possible

    95 - 100 -- A
    91 - 94  -- A-
    87 - 90  -- B+
    82 - 86  -- B
    77 - 81  -- B-
    73 - 76  -- C+
    69 - 72  -- C
    60 - 68  -- D
     0 - 60  -- F


  All written work must be turned in on time. Work submitted late normally will be penalized (5% per day). 

Course Requirements:

Class Participation: This class was intentionally kept small in order to run it as a discussion based and writing intensive seminar. I will keep my lecturing to a minimum. Most of class time will be devoted to discussing the reading, (and at other times the videos/slides and your projects). Therefore, it is absolutely essential to the success of this course that each of you complete the assigned reading prior to our class meeting. While some class time will be used by me to present material, most of it will be used for discussion and criticism of the reading material. Seminars only work well when the participants (students and professor) have done the reading.

In short, this course requires that you:

a. come to class prepared, which means having done the reading prior to each class meeting; and

b. that you are willing to verbally express your views and ask questions. It is your responsibility as much as mine to make this course educational and interesting -- and that requires your active participation. There are no "dumb questions" in this course -- so speak up!

Field Exercises and Term Paper: There will be a variety of writing assignments, including several short writing exercises and several field assignments. Each of the field assignments will enable you to observe and explore first hand a different aspect of culture and technology. They will each require submitting data, fieldnotes and a short description.

The major assignment for the course is a research project resulting in a term paper of 10 - 15 pages. Your research may be on any approved topic concerning the relationship between technology and culture. Because you will devote a fair amount of time to your project, it will important for you to chose a topic that deeply interests you. Try to find something you are or can be passionate about -- it will make the work a lot more interesting. The data for your paper may be based on original fieldwork and/or on published sources. Find someone who is using technology in the area of your interest and work with them to develop a study. The paper is expected to be 10-15 pages in length and have 5-7 reference articles (at least 3 are non-web). Deadlines for your term project are as follows:

• (2/7)- turn in a one page description of your research topic along with 3 research questions that you hope to explore. We will discuss the different research proposals in class. (5 points)
• (3/4) - turn in outline of your research paper, include basic points and references(with summaries). (5 points)
• (4/8) - turn in a preliminary discussion of your findings and thoughts (5 points)
• (4/24)- turn in final copy of your paper. You will present your research findings in a brief oral report in class. (15 points)
• (4/24-end) - oral presentation (5 points)

Field Assignments: We will use this time to do a survey of students to gain more understanding of their perspectives of technology.

Blog Reviews: Most of the blogs are reaction statements to the films and the readings. It is important for you to tie them together. For some of the reading assignments you will be given a question in advance and asked to post your thoughts. I will post a statement and you will react to it on your blog along with a group of others.

Exams: No exams.

Grading: Your grade for the course will be based on the following:

• surveys (10%)
• 2 discussion questions (10% (5% each))
  • submitted and discussion led on the topic during class
• short blog assignments (30%)
  -response to class discussions and assigned topics
  • grading will be on the top 6 blogs that were submitted on time (5% each)
• research project and paper (35%)
  -5-initial questions and description(due 2/7)
  -5-outline<resources and short summaries> (due 3/4)
  -5-discussion of findings and thoughts (due 4/8)
  -15-final paper(due 4/24)
  -5-oral presentation (last week)
• class participation and attendance (10%)
• other technology use (5%)
  
  

Sites and other reference books:

http://www.gadgetcentral.com/
http://wired.com/
http://www.gizmodo.com/
http://msnbc.msn.com/ (click on tech/science)
http://www.cnet.com/
http://www.popsci.com/
http://www.intuitivesurgical.com/products/davinci_surgicalsystem/

Being Digital, N. Negroponte
Culture, C. Jenks
Cybersociety, S. Jones
The Technological Society , J. Ellul

Attendance

Students will be permitted 2 unexcused absences. Other absences will require a written excuse. One point will be deducted from the 10% allocated for class participation for every unexcused absence above the 2 permitted. You are responsible for the lecture material and other discussions in class. If you are absent, ask a classmate.

PSU Statement on Academic Integrity

According to the University Advising Handbook: "Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity free from fraud and deception, and is the educational objective of this institution. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person, or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Any violation of academic integrity will be thoroughly investigated, and where warranted, punitive action will be taken." Students should be aware that standards for documentation and intellectual contribution may depend on the course content and method of teaching, and should consult instructors for guidance.