Technology for non-technical students: adventures on the other side of campus

The average engineering major knows more about the humanities than the average humanities major knows about science and engineering. As engineering educators we too seldom interact with students from nontechnical majors. This gives us a narrow perspective and exacerbates the problem. I have designed and offered a course centered on the development of technology and its affect on society and public policy. We study the effects of steam power and electrification and draw parallels with recent technological developments. The course has been presented twice and is open to students from engineering, science, business, arts and humanities majors. Substantial thought must be given to class topics and exercises appropriate for this diverse group of students.