This course consists of a detailed case study of the societal impact of the bicycle. It is hoped that students will learn about social impacts that they previously have not ever imagined. Yet, the goal here is not to earn a PhD in the Bicycle, rather it is to learn to think about technology and its effects on our society in non-obvious ways. For the primary course assignment, you should select a technological innovation of your choice, that is your “bicycle,” and explore its little known societal effects.
You may pick an innovation with obvious impacts, e.g., the car, computer or photocopier or something more obscure. Your grade will be based primarily on the level of thought shown in your project by the development of non-obvious social impacts. In other words, if you select an innovation with obvious impacts, you should focus on non-obvious effects. Better still, select an obscure or unrecognized innovation and most if not all the impacts you develop will be non-obvious.
Your project should result in both a 9-14 page, double spaced paper due the day before the last class/final exam. It also requires a 10 minute in class presentation on the second to last day of class. I need a one page description on or before Monday, Jan. 6th. This description will not be graded, but allow me to approve the suitability of your proposed topic and perhaps offer suggestions. Group projects are acceptable, but should be proportionately larger in scope than individual projects.
Remember Wintersession is short and goes quickly. I urge you to begin thinking about this project as soon as possible.
