Soc Now: Tech in Society (ISSOC-125)

Through this course students will examine the connections between technology and society, focusing on how technology changes society, how people relate to technology, the social problems related to technology, and similar subjects. Special attention will be given to information and communication technologies, biotechnologies, agricultural technologies such as genetically modified foods, nano-technologies, and surveillance technologies. As an introduction to the methods and discipline of sociology, attention will also be given to the theoretical perspectives of early and contemporary sociologists as they apply to technology. Students will learn by reading, attending lectures, engaging in discussion, and completing research projects.