Electronics, society and computers
BEC
L Spriggs
4.5 points * 26 lecture hours, 26 laboratory hours and 26 tutorial hours * First semester * Gippsland /internal
Historical and current developments in electronic technology are surveyed to develop a perspective on the direction technology is taking, factors driving technological change, and socially desirable future directions for change. Key technologies are discussed: communications (eg 150N, networks, optical fibre); computers (eg semiconductors, software, PCs, parallel processing); automation (eg CAD/CAM, FMS, robotics, A1); information, eg mass storage, expert systems, hypermedia). Impact on social interaction, structure and instructions (eg family, schools, work, property) are explored and students are stimulated to consider ethical, social and economic criteria in assessing impacts. Economic, educational, technological, political and legal strategies for influencing future technological change are considered.
Assessment
Essay (1500 words): 20% * Overall participation: 20% * Seminar: 25% * Case study (2500 words): 35%
Prescribed texts
Forester T and Morrison P Computer ethics 2nd edn, MIT press, 1994
Forester T Silican Saarai Blackwell, 1993