Through political theory, political science, and science fiction, this course attempts to understand the role that technology plays in shaping and maintaining the state in democratic and authoritarian nations.
Athena Title
Politics and Technology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 4420E
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will try to understand what the role of technology is in shaping the state in democratic and authoritarian nations in the past through philosophy, social science, and fiction.
Students will then turn their attention to the future, exploring technological innovations hatched during the digital revolution, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, that are reshaping society.
Students will gain an understanding of the role of technology in politics, as well as a warning about some of the very real dangers that technology poses to human freedom if we are not vigilant.
Topical Outline
• What is technology?
• Ancient and Medieval foundations
• Modern conceptions
• The relationship between science and technology
• Technology in society
• Technology and the state
• Technology and democracy
• Brave new world: technology and political transformation
• The Internet
• Artificial intelligence
• Blockchain
Institutional Competencies
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
