HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY, Syllabus, Revised on Feb. 4, 2011

 

Web page: http://www.me.unlv.edu/Undergraduate/coursenotes/histech/histech.htm

 

 

 

HON 400-H    Spring 2011

Room:        WRI-C321

                        MW  08:30-09:45 a.m..

Instructor:             Georg F. Mauer,

                        Mechanical Engineering

                        Phone: 895‑3830     

E-mail: georg.mauer@unlv.edu

                       

Office: TBE‑B 130 (Engineering Building)

 

Technology influences and shapes our lives in various ways: Rising living standards require technological progress. Our daily lives depend on amenities a host of supportive technologies, from comfortable housing to transportation and communication. Technological changes change the way we live, sometimes in unwelcome ways, and can cause frictions in societies where they are introduced.

This course will explore the development of technology from early beginnings to the present, as well as the interaction of technology with contemporary society. We will seek to examine the conditions and motivations which enabled technological development, the contributions of some outstanding scientists, and the impact of technologies on contemporary societies.  The approach will not be strictly chronological. We will instead follow certain themes (agriculture, energy, trans­portation, information technology, etc.) and see how they weave together.

 

This honors class will be held largely in a seminar format. Students will prepare a formal paper and a presentation on a topic of their interest. Grading will be based on the formal paper, oral presentation, and a number of quizzes. No final will be given.

 

Textbook: R.S. Kirby et al.: Engineering in History, Dover Publ.

 

Grading: Seminar 40% (paper, oral presentation, and progress reports), Midterm tests at the end of first and second month 30%. Short Essay Assignments 30%. No final will be given.                           

 

Short Essay Assignments:

First essay assignment: For the second millennium (i.e. the period from 1000 Ad to 2000 AD), seek to identify ten persons most important to society, not to you personally. Please no relatives or individuals who are important to you for personal or religious reasons! When looking at the ten most important persons, attribute contributions by individuals to contemporary society in their order of importance. Present a reason for your rankings based on a review of the pertinent literature (Library and web).

All essays: Submit a written paper (approx. 600 to 1,000 words, plus list of references) that addresses the topic listed. Your work will be graded on logic and soundness of your argument. Make sure to offer documentation for every claim or conclusion. Avoid vagueness, generalizations without substantiation, emotional arguments, and mysticism. Submit essay on the assigned date before class. A penalty of 20% of the maximum grade will be assessed for each day of late submission of any assignment. List all sources in the references section, including electronic sources such as web sites. Any and all quotations without attribution constitute plagiarism and will result in a zero grade and may, at the discretion of the instructor, lead to an ‘F’ grade for the entire course.  


 Policies: All tests are closed book and closed notes. Make‑up tests will NOT be given. Exceptions are made only if student provides valid reason for absence PRIOR to the test date.  All students are expected to attend class regularly, and to have read the assigned chapters before class. Students with disabilities may request accommodations through the disability resource center. Students requiring accommodations on religious grounds must request these from Dr. Mauer in writing no later than Friday of the first week of classes.

 

Academic Misconduct – Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community; all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution.

An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources. See the Student Academic Misconduct Policy (approved December 9, 2005) located at: http://studentconduct.unlv.edu/misconduct/policy.html.

 

Copyright – The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University policies. Additional information can be found at: http://www.unlv.edu/committees/copyright/.

 

Disability Resource Center (DRC) –  It is important to know that over two-thirds of the students in the DRC reported that this syllabus statement, often read aloud by the faculty during class, directed them to the DRC office.

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinates all academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The DRC is the official office to review and house disability documentation for students, and to provide them with an official Academic Accommodation Plan to present to the faculty if an accommodation is warranted. Faculty should not provide students accommodations without being in receipt of this plan.

UNLV complies with the provisions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, offering reasonable accommodations to qualified students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability that may require accommodations, you will need to contact the DRC for the coordination of services. The DRC is located in the Student Services Complex (SSC-A), Room 143, and the contact numbers are: Voice (702) 895-0866, fax (702) 895-0651. For additional information, please visit: http://drc.unlv.edu/.

 

Religious Holidays Policy -- Any student missing class quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holidays shall be given an opportunity during that semester to make up missed work. The make-up will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor no later than the last day at late registration of his or her intention to participate in religious holidays which do not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the university which could not be avoided. For additional information, please visit:   http://catalog.unlv.acalog.com/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=44&bc=1.

 

Tutoring  -- The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides tutoring and academic assistance for all UNLV students taking UNLV courses.  Students are encouraged to stop by the ASC to learn more about subjects offered, tutoring times and other academic resources.  The ASC is located across from the Student Services Complex, #22 on the current UNLV map. Students may learn more about tutoring services by calling (702) 895-3177 or visiting the tutoring web site at:  http://academicsuccess.unlv.edu/tutoring/.

 

UNLV Writing Center – The following statement is recommended for inclusion in course syllabi:

One-on-one or small group assistance with writing is available free of charge to UNLV students at the Writing Center, located in CDC-3-301. Although walk-in consultations are sometimes available, students with appointments will receive priority assistance.

Appointments may be made in person or by calling 895-3908. The student’s Rebel ID Card, a copy of the assignment (if possible), and two copies of any writing to be reviewed are requested for the consultation. More information can be found at: http://writingcenter.unlv.edu/

 

Rebelmail – By policy, faculty and staff should e-mail students’ Rebelmail accounts only. Rebelmail is UNLV’s Official e-mail system for students. It is one of the primary ways students receive official university communication such as information about deadlines, major campus events, and announcements. All UNLV students receive a Rebelmail account after they have been admitted to the university. Students’ e-mail prefixes are listed on class rosters. The suffix is always @unlv.nevada.edu.

 

 

Spring 2011  SEMINAR Assignment SCHEDULE

Progress reports are due at the following dates:

1/31       Submit:  abstract (approx. 200 words) on your assigned Seminar Topic . Do your research! Read a minimum of three books on your topic! Cite all references you read for this assignment!

2/09                List of references + Outline of paper

 Your oral presentation should last approximately one half hour. Please make sure that you do not exceed that limit in order to allow for discussion. Use Powerpoint for your presentation. Include graphics, photos and movies as appropriate.

4/25             WRITTEN PAPERS

 

HON 400H History of Technology

Class Schedule

            Note: Please contact Dr. Mauer about a week prior to the

presentation to schedule the exact presentation date.

                                                                    

 

Week

Topic

Reading Chapter

1

1/18

Introduction Classical Technology

E-Mail: Your first and second choices of the Seminar paper. Final assignments will be made Monday 1/24.

Submit abstract (approx. 200 words) on your assigned Seminar Topic on 1/31.

Essay #1 due 1/31: The ten most important persons of the millenium.No friends, relatives, or religious figures, please! Follow guidelines!

1 - 2

2

1/24

Introduction Classical Technology cont'd

 

3

3

1/31

Greek Technology

Roman Science and Engineering

 

4

4

2/07

Greek Technology cont'd

Roman Science and Engineering

Seminar paper: List of references + Outline of paper due 2/07

5

5

2/14

Renaissance Science

Essay #2 due 2/14: The significance of Greek culture for Renaissance science

Seminar Pres. #1: Renaissance Wed. 2/16 Tess Fosburgh

5,6

6

2/23

 February 21 President’s Day Recess

 

7,8

7

2/28

Midterm #1 Monday

Essay #3 due 2/28: Galileo

You may focus on one of the following:

- Galileo's use of scientific experiments for scientific discovery

- Conflict with the Holy Inquisition

- The effect of Galileo's astronomical observations (Holy Inquisition excluded)

 

Clocks and Instruments

Industrial Revolution, Steam Engines

Seminar Pres. #2: Why did the industrial revolution start in England?

Seminar Pres. #3: Karl Marx

7 -9

8

3/07

Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel

Seminar Pres. #4: The role of Industrial Manufacturing in the US civil War

March 14-19 Spring Break

10

9

3/21

Essay #4 due 3/21: The exchangeable part. You may focus on one of the following: origins in clock making, origins in gun manufacture, The role of industrial manufacturing during the US civil war.

 

Wed: Seminar Pres. #11. Moore's Law: The rate of change of technical development.

 

10

3/28

Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel II

 

 

11

4/04

Internal Combustion and Automobiles

 

12

4/11

Communications

 

Seminar Pres. #7. Mass Media and Social Control

Seminar Pres. #8. Science and Religion

 

13

4/18

Essay #5 due 4/18: Perceptions of Science and technology in contemporary society. You may focus on one of the following: National policies, state education policies (select a state). You may also critique a specific, well-known work of science fiction literature or a movie.

Computers I

Midterm #2

Seminar Pres. #9. Cultural Values and Growth.

Seminar Pres. #10. The economic impact of IT.

 

14

4/25

Computers II

 

Written Seminar papers due 4/25

11

15

5/02

Aviation, Review

12

 

This schedule is preliminary and will be modified as needed. For details, suggested seminar topics, and other guidelines see the course web page: http://www.me.unlv.edu/Undergraduate/coursenotes/histech/histech.htm

 

 

 

                                 HON 400H  HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY

 

 

Seminar Paper Topics

 

Choose from the list of seminar topics below for your seminar paper and presentation. The topics are broad and give you the freedom to focus on a particular area of your choice. If you wish to modify a topic so that you can explore a particular interest of yours, or if you find no topic that interests you, you must discuss your choice with Dr. Mauer and get his approval. Please note the presentation due dates in the syllabus.

 

 

Topics:

1. The Renaissance Period and the Origins of Science. Explore the societal and technological conditions that led Galileo and others to embrace science as a concept.

2. Technology and Capitalism: Why did the industrial revolution start in England?

3. Karl Marx's Response to the Industrial Revolution.

4. The Role of Industrial Manufacturing in the Northern States in the US Civil War.

5. Technology and the rule of law: Conditions for economic prosperity.

6. Technology and the Need for Higher Education. Explore the qualifications required for employment in a sector of industry (e.g. Automotive manufacturing or Healthcare) and the influence of technological advances on job requirements and incomes.

 

7. Mass Media and Social Control. Explore the means (technologies) for distributing information, the role of contemporary mass media in shaping societal norms and expectations.

8. Science and Religion. Facts and Perceptions.

9. Contemporary Communications Technologies and their Impacts on Individual Users.

10. The Impact of Cultural Values on Economic Growth.

11. The economic impact of information technology.

12. Directions of Innovation: Career Planning and the need for continuous Learning

 

 

 

 If a topic interests you:

 

           - Contact Dr. Mauer by E-mail no later than Friday, January 21. I will assign names to topics in the order received. Please list a second choice in case your chosen topic has already been claimed. We will resolve any remaining issues on the following Monday. I will assign topics to those who did not state a preference by E-mail.

     ‑ look up all the material you can find on the topic in the library. If you find that the topic is well documented, you may proceed with your seminar paper after approval from your instructor. This preliminary work should be completed by the third week (see schedule).

 

     ‑ Your paper should be double‑spaced typed (dated technology) or better word processed (a newer technology). A one‑page summary of your paper is due by the beginning of the third week (see schedule).

 

      Your finished seminar paper should be a well‑documented study of approx. 10 to 15 pages length (double‑spaced), not counting illustrations. Your paper should be based on several sources. It is good practice to organize the paper in appropriate sections, such as:

 

     Introduction (Background and Purpose)

     Main Part

     Conclusion

 

Clearly identify your objective and conclusions.

 

"The most serious trap in preparing these papers is failing to be sufficiently restrictive. You may think it's easier to find material if you embrace the whole outdoors. But don't worry ‑‑ there's a lot of material on almost anything you can think of. The real problem is focusing on what you find." (John Lienhardt)

 

Read as much secondary literature as you can locate. You absolutely must schedule undisturbed reading time in the library.

 

 

When searching the UNLV catalog, try also related subject topics, such as CIVILIZATION, HISTORY etc. for additional source material.

Also look up references such as the Internet, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Atlases, Bibliographies, Collections of Illustrations etc.

 

Written Paper: You are required to deliver a written paper in addition to the oral presentation. All written papers are due on 4/25 before class. Structure your paper as follows:

 

1. Summary

2. Introduction (literature review, quote all sources)

3. Discussion (structure this section as you see fit. Use headings and subheadings to organize your discussion)

4. Conclusion

References (check in library journals for proper style; generally, each reference should list author, year, title of book or paper, journal title, year, number, page numbers).

 
 

 

 


 

 

HON 400A

History of Technology

Spring 2011

 

Some Guidelines for a good seminar paper

 

First and foremost, use scientific methods.

 

Scientific analysis

·        Is based on fact

·        Uses as much information as possible! Collect facts! Don’t economize on collecting, the danger of your gaining too much knowledge is rather remote.

·        Employs methods of logical deduction, see Aristotle and authors thereafter.

·        States clearly the methodology used in the exploration and analysis.


Describes all sources (especially in the References section).

Intellectual Integrity and Methodology

Confirmation, repeatability
Conceptual precision

Empiricism, positivism

    Caution about claims of absolute truth

 

Your paper should focus on the origination of ideas and concepts, and trace the resulting technologies over a period of time.

Specific inventions, however impressive, generally resulted from ideas and often from scientific analysis. Describe the processes leading to the inventions, the constraints, the innovation contained in the invention(s), the impact on society, as well as the impact of society on the inventor.

Why did the invention or discovery occur at its particular time and place? Draw (using the methods of logic) conclusions and state your opinion, i.e. judgments of value.

All technologies change over time, and ours is a course on the History of Technology. Show how these changes occurred, and determine their causes. For instance, automobile technologies change continuously due to the need for more safety, lower costs, environmental emission standards, consumer demand, etc.

Personal convictions or religious beliefs have no place in a scientific paper.

 

Whenever you express a judgment (“This is the greatest invention since sliced bread”), state the facts, criteria, and reasons for arriving at your views.

 

 

Structure your paper as follows:

 

1. Summary

2. Introduction (literature review, quote all sources)

3. Discussion (structure this section as you see fit. Use headings and subheadings to organize your discussion)

4. Conclusion

5. References (check in library journals for proper style; generally, each reference should list author, year, title of book or paper, journal title, year, number, page numbers).

 

Please apply all rules of good essay writing you learned in your composition and other English courses! After you collected all the material, please sort and sift it, and place each item where it logically belongs. Create proper and logical transitions.

If you discover gaps and missing links, go back and research the issue in more depth.

 

Visual Materials: Our paper will benefit greatly from graphics and illustrations. Use them generously! They will liven up your paper, and will be especially useful in your oral presentation. Sources are both the library and the internet. Most students use the MS Powerpoint format. A computer and projector will be available during every class.

 

Electronic submission of final paper: Submit reasonably sized files as E-mail attachments. Large files (10 MB or more)  may take a long time to transmit. Give them to me on a CD or USB memory stick.