Students will chose one technology that they believe has had an important impact on American society during the 20th century and has been an important part of their own lives. They will analyze it from a number of perspectives:

1. Historical. [1] How and why was this technology developed? What companies were involved? What technologies (if any) did it replace, and what were the effects of its doing so? [2] How did scientific developments, competition, regulation, government promotion, other technologies (competing technologies, complementary technologies) influence the form that it has taken, its dissemination and use, etc.? [3] Has the technology itself had any influence on industry, government, and/or culture? If so, how -- and has this then affected the further development of the technology? [4] Has the technology been used in ways unforeseen (perhaps undesired) by its producers? How has this affected its development and dissemination?

2. Personal. How has this technology affected your life? Think about your self-perception, your access to ideas, feelings, and information, your relationship with other people and the natural environment, your mobility, security, nutrition, etc. What about similar effects on other people, groups, etc.?

3. Economic and cultural. What economic and cultural consequences does this technology now have? How is the technology changing (and why), and what roles is it likely to play in the future?

This is a combination research project and self analysis. Its purpose is to help understand how and why our technologies have been developed and the ways in which they affect our lives -- two phenomena which are often closely related. Research for the project should come from books, magazines, and journals, plus (a limited amount of) material from the internet and possibly interviews with relatives and associates.

Some topics to think about: radio (of several types), TV, print media, recorded music, computer and computer/communications, telephone (including wireless), different types of transportation (including recreational vehicles), navigation technology (e.g., GPS), sports technology, prepared foods, household appliances, etc.

Topics will be approved in consultation with the professor and must be finalized by October 9. A maximum of two students may do one topic, and they must work independently. A preliminary report, including a complete list of references, is due on November 13. The final report is due on the last day of class.

Presentation is important, so write gramatically and clearly. Your written project should include a bibliography and full references in the text. That is, wherever information is provided, there should be a note in the text to give its source. This includes, but is not limited to, direct quotes. (Direct quotes should always be introduced--never thrown in to stand on their own.) The format of the noting is up to you; just be certain that it is clear and consistent. The length of the project should be approximately 10-15 pages, double-spaced printed with normal margins, exclusive of end notes and bibliography.

Important: Never copy directly from any source unless it is for a quote that is clearly attributed, and use those sparingly. Be very careful to avoid plagerism, which is a serious academic offense and will result in a zero grade on the project.