GEMS103 -- SYLLABUS
University of Maryland * Department of History

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

a module of
GEMS103: SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES ON TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION


Class:
GEMS 103
Spring semester 2001
Plant Sciences Building (PLS) 1115
Section 0102: Tues. & Thurs., 4:00-5:15
Section 0202: Tues & Thurs, 5:30-6:45
Instructor:
Dr. David B. Sicilia
Office: Key Hall 2101-J
Office Phone: 301-405-7778
Office Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 9:30-11:00; and by appointment
E-mail: ds190@umail.umd.edu

This module of GEMS103 offers historical perspective on technological innovation. Among the key questions we will consider are: Why does innovation happen? How does technology spread? Why do some technologies evolve to become large systems? Are such systems inevitable? Why did technology come under attack after World War II? In what sense is America a ñtechnological societyî? How have leading historians of technology thought about these questions?

REQUIREMENTS
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS
TEAM PROJECT
IMPORTANT POLICIES

Updated 11 April 2001