Questioning Innovation: Paths beyond Technological Cynicism

Cynicism about novel technology is on the rise. Pundits and users alike question whether today’s instruments of innovation are designed for human progress or foretell growing alienation and social control. We will explore historical and anthropological debates about technological determinism, the social construction of technology, and the politics of engineering to ask how certain technologies have come to mediate human relationships. Acknowledging our embeddedness within dense technological networks, course modules situate novel technoscientific objects—from dishwashers to data centers—as contingent, not inevitable facets of 21st century life. Featuring a practicum style of learning, you will not only learn about STS approaches to technological innovation but also how to translate and apply that knowledge in your own work. Reading empirical cases alongside selected works of social theory, students will collaboratively identify ethical, ideological, and pragmatic paths towards a better world.