HIST 205 - Technology and Culture in the Western World

(HUMD, GEIR, GEEL) (R only)

Focus upon selected topics in the history of technology, concentrating on the period from the Renaissance to the 20th century’s “brave new world” of science, technology, and industry. Relates technological development with diverse patterns of Western culture as it evolved within this historic framework. Designed to fit the needs and interests of students in technological programs, as well as those following general education or liberal arts curricula. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101/ENGL 011. Three hours lecture/discussion each week.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Describe the enormous social consequences of the first technological revolution, agriculture.
Account, in technological terms, for the disparities between Western and nonwestern cultures and civilizations.
Demonstrate an understanding of the reasons for and the nature of the Industrial Revolution and why it occurred in Britain and the United States.
Characterize the relationship between capitalism and technological development.
Analyze the connection between technological development and labor movements, as well as the ambivalent role of technology in women’s history.
Know the benchmarks of technological development, especially in the following: communication and information dissemination, transportation, warfare, medicine, and harnessing of power.

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