STS 308: Technology & Global Development
Summer 2013
M, W, Th 1-4 PM; Kupf 207
Dr. Theresa Hunt
theresa.a.hunt@njit.edu
Office Hrs: M 11:30-1;W by appt
“Concern for man himself and his
fate must always form the chief
interest of all technical endeavors...
Never forget this amidst all your diagrams
and equations.”
—ALBERT EINSTEIN
Course Overview:
What role has technology played in the evolution of the global system? How have global political
relationships been impacted by evolving technologies? How do non-state actors, from multinational
corporations to transnational social justice “hacktivist” movements like Anonymous, use technology to
challenge traditional power structures? What role does the global community presume technology plays
in human development and economic growth?
The aim of this course is to explore these and other kinds of questions examining the ever-evolving
relationships between globalization, technology, and science. In particular, we will consider the role
technology and ideas about technology play in shaping human and economic development, both locally
and within a global framework.
Readings draw from STS theory, globalization theory, and theories of global development. Case studies
will include but are not limited to 1) debates about the role of social media in the Arab revolutions,
2) ongoing sustainable development projects in Eastern Africa, 3) the December, 2012 “Internet
Regulation” meetings of the International Telecommunications Union, 4) the role of mobile technology
in “micro-loan” projects in developing countries, and 5) debates about the political power of technologyinfused transnational social movements, including al-Queda and Occupy Wall Street.
The class employs both lecture and seminar format, with students actively participating in discussion,
conducting research on globalization and technological innovation, and presenting that research to the
class in both face-to-face and courseware forums. Two exams and one researched final project comprise
the majority of the course grade; class presentations, discussion, and small-group facilitation will also
diversify both assessment and weekly class activities. The summer class will operate in part as a “hybrid”
course, with class activities during some weeks or days of the week being conducted online. Details will
be discussed during the first class meeting (or in advance of class, email Dr. Hunt with questions).
Required Text:
Campbell, P. MacKinnon, A. and Stevens, C. (2010) An Introduction to Global Studies. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN: 978-1-4051-8736-7
Other documents will be made available via Moodle
Tentative Assessment Formula:
Exams (2)
Term Project (including prep)
Presentation
Moodle Assignments
Participation
30%
40%
10%
10%
10%
Tentative Schedule:
Week 1: Studying Technology, Society, & Politics
Monday: Course overview & syllabus review
Wednesday: (Readings on Moodle) Lairson, “Is Technology ‘Just a Tool’”? ; Turkle, “How Computers
Change the Way We Think”; Stengel, “Technology and Culture”
Thursday: (Readings on Moodle) Heilbroner, “Do Machines Make History?”; Pinch and Bijker, “The Social
Construction of Facts and Artifacts”;
Week 2: Globalization – Debates and Theories
Monday: Chapter 1, “Going Global”; Chapter 2, “The Nation-State System”
Wednesday: (Readings on Moodle) Barber, “Jihad vs McWorld”; Huntington, “Clash of Civilizations”;
Said, “The Clash of Ignorance”
Thursday: Complete Exam/Moodle Assignments
Week 3: Globalization & Cross-border Flows - People, Ideas, and Revolution
Monday: Chapter 3, “International Organizations”; Chapter 9, “Information and Communication
Technologies”
Wednesday: (Readings on Moodle) Gladwell, “The Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted’; Screening:
Revolution in Cairo
Thursday: Complete Exam/Moodle assignments (Reading on Moodle) Blau (IEEE): “Battle Brewing Over
International Internet Regulation”
Week 4: Globalization & Cross-border Flows – Goods and Pollution
Monday: Chapter 5, “The Natural Environment”; (Readings on Moodle) Fratkin and Mearns,
“Sustainability and Pastoral Livelihoods”; Research Project Proposals Due
Wednesday: Chapter 6, “Population and Consumption”; Screening: Life in Debt
Thursday: Research Project Conferences
Week 5: Research Presentations; Schedule TBD week 2