Technology and Global Development 15-502
Next offered in Fall 2008
Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 - 11:50 a.m.
Wean Hall 5320

Instructors: Joseph S. Mertz, jr., Rahul Tongia and Jay Aronson
Units: 9

This undergraduate course studies meaningful ways to use advanced technologies to support the development of communities where the world's poorest people live.

We will begin by reviewing the history and politics of development over the last century. During this phase, we will examine some of the assumptions inherent in the concept of development, and evaluate the extent to which development has been successful in achieving its mission up to the present day. We will then explore the economic and social contexts in which development work takes place and current applications of advanced technology for sustainable development. We will also explore a variety of advanced technologies and their potential for new applications in the context of global development.

Throughout the semester, students are expected to: actively engage in debates and discussions based on assigned readings; evaluate existing development projects; participate in the decision-making process for a simulated field study; and complete a small group project.

While there will be no exams, there will be quizzes and short writing assignments. Because of the nature of the subject, this course will be broad and interdisciplinary; it will cover the basics of technology, economics, history, anthropology and policy. This course does not require programming, but does require an interest in understanding and evaluating information and communication technologies.

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