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A Course in Technology and Society for Engineering Students

The exposure of engineering students to relationships between technology and society has become an accepted component of undergraduate engineering curricula in North America, yet how to present the subject in a way that is stimulating and relevant to engineering students remains a challenge. At the University of Manitoba, various approaches have been taken over several years. This paper outlines a course format and content which has been well received by students. The framework of the course encompasses three main principles. First, technology is presented as having three aspects—technical, cultural, and organizational. Second, the topic is treated within a time‐related context—past, present, and future. Past and present are illustrated by examples of technology, their societal impacts, and related cultural and ethical issues. The future is examined using a systems approach for understanding the long‐term consequences of human activities and by discussion of the role of technology in reaching global sustainability. Third, the course emphasizes active student involvement through individual and group research and writing, and group discussions and presentation.