Georgia Tech Lorraine, European Campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology
Technology and Society (HTS 2084)
Course Syllabus
Instructor
Timothy Stoneman
School of History, Technology, and Society
Office 226
GTL Building
03 87 20 39 57 (o)
06 38 95 24 02 (c)
tim.stoneman@hts.gatech.edu
Course Description
Historians, sociologists, and philosophers of science and technology study the ways in
which social, political, and cultural choices influence the direction of scientific research
and the design of artifacts. Contrary to what you may have been taught as engineers,
design is not a purely rational process. Human choices, laden with value judgments,
inform every stage of the engineering enterprise, from conception and invention through
innovation, marketing, and final production.
This course takes an historical approach to the study of how human values have shaped
engineering practice by looking in depth at a wide range of historical case studies drawn
from both civilian and military technologies in the United States. The four examples
covered in the course include 20th century American systems of mass production, fast-food
franchising, the decision to drop the atomic bomb, and the development of the Internet. The
goal of the course will be not only to enhance students’ understanding of individual case
studies, but to increase their appreciation for the social nature of technological change –
that is, how political, social, cultural, and personal values infuse the design, production, and
diffusion of material products.
Grading
Course assessment will be based on the following formula:
Written assignments (5)
Group presentations
Test 1
Test 2
Final
15%
10%
25%
25%
25%
Georgia Tech Lorraine is a serious academic program. Class attendance is required. Roll
will be taken daily. If possible, please let me know in advance if you cannot attend class.
Students may have two unexcused absences during the semester. Further unexcused
absences will result in the loss of half a letter grade. Students are expected to pay
attention in class and participate in discussions. Please turn off electronics, including
laptops and cell phones, during class. All weekly written assignments are due by Friday
at 6pm (Metz time) via T-Square; please also turn in a typed copy to my office or box.
Students may participate in the class debate as either debaters or judges; detailed
instructions will be provided in class. Written assignments will be graded on the
following basis: + (9.5),  (8.5), - (7.5). Students will make presentations for 7-10 minutes
in groups of 2-3 during the final week of class on topics approved by the instructor. The final
exam will include the material since the midterm as well the main concepts covered in
the course Introduction. Final grading will be done on a letter basis and will be rounded
up on the half percentage point (i.e. 89.5% = A). Final grades will not be available until
after the Monday following the end of the exam period through Oscar.
Honor Policy
Students are expected to abide by the Georgia Tech honor code. All infractions will be
handled through the Office of the Dean of Students and treated with the highest degree of
seriousness.
Reading Material
Required textbooks:
J. Samuel Walker, Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of the
Atomic Bombs against Japan (UNC, 1997, 2004)
Additional reading material will be made available on T-Square.
Course Schedule
The course will follow the following lecture and reading schedule:
Weeks 1-2
Weeks 3-4
Week 5
Weeks 6-8
Weeks 9-10
Introduction
Fordist mass production
McDonaldization
Dropping of the atomic bomb
Internet