College: Institute of Graduate Programs

This interdisciplinary major explores the intersection of technology and society, focusing on the social, ethical, and political implications of technological advancement.

Students study key areas such as the history of technology, technology policy, technology ethics, digital culture, and the impact of technology on society. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and an understanding of technological and societal dynamics. Graduates are prepared for careers in technology policy, ethics, digital media, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the fundamentals of technology and its societal impacts.
• Developing skills in technology policy, ethics, and digital culture analysis.
• Learning techniques to conduct research on the impact of technology on society.
• Exploring the history of technology and its evolution over time.
• Understanding ethical considerations and political implications of technological advancements.
• Analyzing challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology and society.
• Developing teamwork and problem-solving skills for projects and research initiatives.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Technology and Society
   • Overview of technology and society, key concepts, and historical context.
   • Fundamentals of the social, ethical, and political impacts of technology.
2. History of Technology
   • Principles of the history of technology, including major inventions, innovations, and technological revolutions.
   • Techniques for studying the development and impact of technology over time.
3. Technology Policy
   • Basics of technology policy, including regulation, innovation policy, and ethical considerations.
   • Techniques for analyzing and influencing technology policies.
4. Technology Ethics
   • Principles of ethics in technology, including ethical dilemmas, moral reasoning, and responsible innovation.
   • Techniques for conducting ethical analyses of technological advancements.
5. Digital Culture
   • Exploration of digital culture, including digital media, social networks, and online communities.
   • Techniques for studying cultural impacts and societal changes driven by digital technologies.
6. Impact of Technology on Society
   • Analyzing the broad impacts of technology on society, including economic, social, and environmental effects.
   • Techniques to evaluate and address societal impacts of technology.
7. Research Methods in Technology and Society
   • Principles of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, case studies, and ethical considerations.
   • Techniques for conducting and evaluating research in technology and society.
8. Practical Training in Technology and Society
   • Real-world research and policy experiences, including observations, internships, and practical projects.
   • Techniques for applying acquired skills in practical technology and society environments.
9. Capstone Project in Technology and Society
   • An integrative project to apply acquired skills in technology policy, ethics, or digital culture analysis.
   • Techniques for presenting a polished and in-depth research project on the intersection of technology and society.

Assessment Methods:

Technology history reports, technology policy analyses, ethical considerations papers, digital culture studies, impact analyses, research methodology papers, hands-on training reports, capstone projects, group projects, internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "History of Technology" by various authors.
• "Technology Policy: Introduction" by Richard Spinello.
• "Ethics of Technology: Contemporary Readings" by Deborah G. Johnson.
• "Digital Culture: Understanding New Media" by Charlie Gere.
• "Research Methods in Technology and Society" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of technology, social sciences, and ethics. Suitable for students interested in technology policy, ethics, digital media, and societal impacts of technology.

Duration of the Major:

Typically 4 years to obtain a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, hands-on training, and internships.

Degree:

Graduates can earn a degree in technology and society and pursue professional certifications in technology policy, ethics, or related fields.

Target Audience:

Aspiring technology policy analysts, ethics experts, digital media specialists, and professionals seeking to specialize in the intersection of technology and society. This major provides students with critical thinking, research, and practical skills needed to excel in the study of technology and society, supporting careers in technology policy, ethics, digital media, and related fields.