2005/06 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HPSC2302 Technological Change in History

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Graeme Gooday / Chris Kenny

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2005/06

Pre-requisite qualifications

20 credits of Level 1 HPSC modules or equivalent

This module is mutually exclusive with

HPSC2500 Technological Change in History

Module replaces

HPSC2500 Technological Change in History

This module is approved as an Elective

Objectives

By the end of the module students should be able to:

i) understand and deploy explanations of historical change in technology;
ii) show detailed knowledge of four historical case studies on technological change;
iii) critically evaluate historical writing on the case study topics.

Syllabus

General themes: continuity and discontinuity in technological change; evolutionary vs. political accounts of technological change; the comparative explanatory significance of inventors, workers, institutions and consumers - social shaping and constructionist accounts.

Four case studies drawn from the following areas:

i) Scientific instruments;
ii) Telegraph
iii) Telephone Telecommunications technologies
iv) Computer
v) Internet
vi) Lighting
vii) Medical technologies
viii) Military technologies

Teaching methods

Lectures: 11 x 1 hour;

Seminars: 8 x 1 hour.

Private study

3 hours reading per lecture: 33 hours;
6 hours reading per seminar: 48 hours;
Essay preparation: 30 hours;
Examination preparation: 30 hours;
Background reading: 56 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

1 x 2000 word essay due mid-way through the module & through seminar participation;
Essay returned with written feedback in week 9.

Methods of assessment

1 x 2000 word essay;
1 x 2 hour exam.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 20/09/2006

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