Current
industry analysis and career development. Technology trends in manufacturing and electronics. Leadership skills for a technology professional. Ethics for technology managers.
Prerequisite:
Graduating senior,
major form completed
The rush for
technology in the 20th century brought more advances than the 11th
through 19th centuries combined. The inventions and technical
advances in automobiles and aircraft, television and radio, computers and
global communication, medical imaging and the leap of humans beyond Earth’s
atmosphere—all these were born from the creative spark and labor of scientists,
engineers, and technologists like you. As a result we have many questions to
address:
How can we
ensure that technology is humane and not inane?
Can nations
mount an effective defense without having to shoot?
When computer
intelligence exceeds human intelligence, what will it mean to be human?
If you could “uninvent” one technology, which would you choose and why?
How can we
prevent ourselves from drowning in high-tech waste?
Is it possible
for technology managers to effectively manage in a socially diverse and
increasingly technical and complex modern society?
Why should we
take the long view?
This course is
designed to prepare graduating seniors for life after graduation. Technology
industry trends, significant current developments, survival strategies, and
long-range educated forecasts important to the graduate are discussed. An
individual oral presentation and a written report on a technology-related topic
is required. In addition to other required course
materials, this class will incorporate guest speakers from the electronics and
manufacturing industries, and tours of local companies. The format for this
class will be “round-table”. This means that other than the initial discussion
led by the instructor, the students will use the remainder of the class period
for active participation and discussion.