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Social and Political Implications of Technology OpenCourseWare: A Free Online Grad-Level Social Science Course by MIT

Published Jan 08, 2009

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In 'Social and Political Implications of Technology,' an OpenCourseWare offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), students explore the various ways that technology interacts with social and political values. This graduate-level course was developed by the Department of Science, Technology and Society for doctoral candidates in Science, Technology and Society, History or Anthropology programs.

Social and Political Implications of Technology: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Graduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
No Yes No

Social and Political Implications of Technology: Course Description

Technological devices, structures and systems have had an impact on shaping current values in society, politics and business. Through extensive case studies and readings, students in 'Social and Political Implications of Technology' explore the ways that technology has changed our values since the late 18th century. The readings, chosen by MIT professors Merritt Roe Smith and David Mindell, illustrate how technological advances in transportation, war, production, communication and reproduction each have had a social or political effect. Students are encouraged to write weekly reflections on the readings. Major Problems in the History of American Technology by Merritt Roe Smith and Gregory Clancey serves as a main text for the course.

The free OpenCourseWare includes a list of readings and reflections submitted by previous students. To download the course materials, visit the social science and technology course web page.

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