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The second digit for courses in this department has the following meaning:
Cat. I
The goals of this course are to acquaint students with the fundamental
structures underlying economic systems, and motivate them to begin
analyzing economic problems dynamically and holistically. These goals
are pursued via the integration of basic microeconomic and
macroeconomic concepts into interactive simulation models, individual
and group games, and computerized hyper-media learning
environments.
The curriculum materials have been formulated with a simulation
technique that has its origins in control theory and electrical
engineering. As a consequence, students will find them complementary
to their engineering work. Moreover, in order to prepare students for
IQP's, the course materials have been designed to stimulate the
recognition of "generic structures” or combinations of feedback
loops that produce the same dynamical behavior in a diverse array of
economic and technical systems.
A partial list of the economic problems that will be addressed in the
course includes: the business cycle, the deficit and debt problem,
natural resource depletion, the economics of poaching, the economics
of illegal drug markets, the stagnation and decay of urban economies,
the economics of global warming, the pros and cons of economic growth,
the economics of the arms race and peace dividend, the escalation of
commitment to failing public works, and the cycle in the supply and
demand for engineers.
There are no computer, math or course prerequisites.
Cat. I
The course focuses upon the implications of reliance upon markets for
the allocation of resources in a society, at the household, firm, and
community level. Outcomes of current market systems are examined in
terms of the efficient use of natural and other economic resources, as
well as their impact upon the environment, fairness, and social
welfare. Of special interest in these analyses is the role of prices
in the determination of what commodities are produced, their means of
production, and distribution among households.
In cases where current market outcomes have features subject to
widespread criticism, such as the presence of excessive pollution,
risk, discrimination, and poverty, the analysis is extended to suggest
economic solutions.
There are no prerequisites for the course.
Term A/D - Microeconomic implications of rapid technological change.
Term B - Microeconomics of international relations.
Term C - Microeconomic policy in the New England region.
There are no prerequisites for the course.
Cat. I
This course is designed to acquaint students with the ways in which
macroeconomic variables, such as national income, employment, and the
general level of prices, are determined in the economic system, how
they change over time, and how monetary and fiscal tools can be used
to influence them. In addition to the traditional presentation of
macroeconomic theory, the course curriculum includes the use of
simulation models, games and hyper-media learning environments. These
materials allow the students to formulate national policies using
their knowledge of macroeconomic theory, and then test their dynamic
consequences.
There are no specific courses recommended in preparation for this course.
Cat. I
The aim of this course is to give students a general idea of the
nature sociology while illustrating concepts using examples from a
variety of societies to enhance one's comparative perspective. The
secondary theme of the course is to focus on what field of sociology
can offer those interested in the social implications of technological
change and the social processes that shape science and technology.
The course begins with a review of the debate over the nature of
technology, wether it is more properly viewed as an aspect of social
structure or culture, an integral part of society or a force external
to it. Cases drawn from around the world and different technical
fields are then developed both to address these questions and to
illustrate various ways in which one might go about studying
society-technology interaction effects. Classic sociological issues
such as the distribution of wealth and power, intergroup relations,
family structures and the nature of community are all covered as the
cases unfold.
The cases covered range from the impact of disasters on different
kinds of communities to a comparative analysis the space agencies of
Europe, The U.S. and Japan and the different kinds of technology they
tend to produce. Such observations are placed in the context of their
differing processes of modernization and international positions.
This course is appropriate preparation for many types of IQP's. There
are no prerequisites.
Cat. I
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles,
institutions, and processes of the constitutional democracy of the
United States. It examines the formal structure of the Federal system
of government, including Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and
the various departments, agencies, and commissions which comprise the
executive branch. Emphasis is placed on the relationships among
Federal, state and local governments in the formulation and
administration of domestic policies, and on the interactions among
interest groups, elected officials and the public at large with
administrators in the policy process. The various topics covered in
the survey are linked by consideration of fiscal and budgetary issues,
executive management, legislative oversight, administrative
discretion, policy analysis and evaluation and democratic
accountability.
Cat. II
Political and legal change occurs in the context of a western and
American view of political institutions. Our contemporary
understanding of political problems and their solutions is largely
determined by our understanding of the proper relationship between a
government and its citizens. Our views on the role of government and
its power are derived from a rich tradition of ideas that are found in
the writings of Adams, Paine, Madison, Jefferson, Hamilton, John
Marshall, Orestes Brownson, John Calhoun, William Grant Sumner and
Herbert Croly, among others. The study of these writings sheds light
on the nature of western liberalism, democracy, equality and
welfare-state capitalism. These concepts are then refined and given
current meaning by such figures as Ronald Reagan and Jesse
Jackson.
Offered in 1996-1997 and alternating years thereafter.
Cat. I
American Public Policy focuses on the outcomes or products of
political institutions and political controversy. The course first
addresses the dynamics of policy formations and stalemate, the
identification of policy goals, success and failure in implementation,
and techniques of policy analysis. Students are then encouraged to
apply these concepts in the study of a specific policy area of their
choosing, such as foreign, social, urban, energy or environmental
policy.
This course is an important first step for students wishing to
complete IQPs in public policy research. Students are encouraged to
complete SS 1303
prior to enrolling in upper level policy courses such
as SS 2303,
SS 2304 or
SS 2311. There is no specific preparation for
this course, but a basic understanding of American political
institutions is assumed.
Cat. I
This course is an introduction to law and the role courts play in
society. The course examines the structure of judicial systems, the
nature of civil and criminal law, police practice in the enforcement
of criminal law, and the responsibilities of judges, attorneys and
prosecutors. Additional topics for discussion include the
interpretation of precedent and statue in a common law system and how
judicial discretion enables interest groups to use courts for social
change.
The student is expected to complete the course with an understanding
of how courts exercise and thereby control the power of the state. As
such, courts function as political actors in a complex system of
governance. It is recommended that students complete this course
before enrolling in SS 2310,
Constitutional Law.
Cat. II.
SS 1320 is a survey course designed to introduce students to the basic
concepts of international relations: power and influence, nations and
states, sovereignty and law. These concepts will be explored through
the study of issues such as diplomacy and its uses, theories of
collective security and conflict, and international order and
development. The study of international organizations such as the UN,
the European Community or the Organization of American States will
also supplement the students' understanding of the basic concepts. The
course may also include comparative political analysis of states or
regions.
It is designed to provide the basic background materials for students
who wish to complete IQPs on topics that involve international
relations or comparative political systems.
This course will be offered in 1996-97.
Cat. I
This course is concerned with understanding and explaining the mental
processes and strategies underlying human behavior. The ways in which
sensory input is transformed, reduced, elaborated, stored, and
recovered will be examined in order to develop a picture of the human
mind as an active processor of information. Topics will include
perception, memory, problem-solving, judgement and decision making,
human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence. Special
attention will be paid to defining the limitations of the human
cognitive system. Students will undertake a project which employs one
of the experimental techniques of cognitive psychology to collect and
analyze data on a topic of their own choosing.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Cat. I
Social psychology is concerned with how people think about, feel for,
and act toward other people. Social psychologists study how people
interact by focusing on the individual (not society as a whole) as the
unit of analysis, by emphasizing the effect on the individual of the
situation or circumstances in which behavior occurs, and by acquiring
knowledge through empirical scientific investigation. This course will
examine the cause of human behavior in a variety of domains of social
life. Topics will include, but not be limited to, person perception,
attitude formation and change, interpersonal attraction, stereotyping
and prejudice, and small group behavior. Special attention will be
given to applied topics: How can the research methods of social
psychology be used to help solve social problems? Students will work
together in small groups to explore in depth topics in social
psychology of their own choosing.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Cat. I
This course is open to students conducting IQPs in the Washington,
London, and Puerto Rico off-campus Project Centers, and may count
towards their Social Science distribution requirements. The course
introduces students to the basic tools for social science research and
for economic analysis such as cost-benefit analysis. It also provides
practice in specific research skills using the project topics students
have selected in conjunction with the sponsoring agencies. Students
learn to develop social science hypotheses based upon literature
reviews in their topic areas, construct and administer questionnaires,
conduct interviews, analyze data using computerized statistical
packages, and make recommendations based upon their findings. Students
make presentations and write an organized project proposal as well as
develop a written model for reporting their project
findings. Examinations will cover the social science text and lecture
material, while the project proposal will serve as the term paper.
Cat. II
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for IQP research by
teaching them how to produce original dynamic simulation models of
economic and social systems. Models of this type can be used to
examine the possible impacts of policy changes and technological
innovations on socioeconomic systems.
The curriculum in this course is divided into three distinct
parts. First, a detailed examination of the steps of the system
dynamics modeling process: problem identification (including data
collection), feedback structure conceptualization, model formulation,
model testing and analysis, model documentation and presentation, and
policy implementation. Second, a survey of the "nuts and bolts" of
continuous simulation modeling: information and material delays, time
constants, the use of noise, and numerical integration techniques,
control theory heuristics, and software details (both simulation, and
model presentation and documentation software). Third, a step-by-step,
in-class production of a model, involving the construction, testing,
and assembly of sub-sectors.
Students will be required to complete a small modeling project and
will be encouraged to choose a project that can serve as the "first
cut" at an IQP idea. Knowledge of the material presented in SS 1105,
Introduction to Economic Systems is assumed. SS 2105 will be offered
in 1996-97 and in alternate years thereafter.
Cat. II
The topics addressed in this course are similar to those covered in SS
1110-Introductory Microeconomics but the treatment proceeds in a more
rigorous and theoretical fashion to provide a firm platform for
students majoring in Economics or Management, or those having a strong
interest in economics. Mathematics at a level comparable to that
taught in MA 1001-MA 1004 is frequently applied to lend precision to
the analysis. The course rigorously develops the microeconomic
foundations of the theory of the firm, the theory of the consumer, the
theory of markets, and the conditions required for efficiency in
economic systems. Prior exposure to the microeconomic theory covered
in SS 1110³Introductory Microeconomics is suggested but not
required.
This course will be offered in 1995-96.
Cat. II
An examination of government policies toward business. This course is
focussed on the antitrust laws: their rationale, present scope,
judicial interpretation and enforcement. The direct regulation of
business: its problems and effects are also explored. Public ownership
as an alternative to regulation is discussed. The performance of the
American mixed economy and present government techniques for the
control of business are evaluated. Alternate government policies for
improving industrial efficiency and social welfare are considered.
This course will be of interest to students concerned with
understanding how business behavior affects social and economic
welfare and the role of the government in maintaining and improving
the performance of a mixed economy. Since the course will examine how
different types of product and factor markets function and the
relationship between market conditions and that of technological
development, it will be helpful to students whose IQPs involve
assessing the impact of a technical innovation on the economy or
identifying the social-economic conditions that promote technical
progress.
Students taking this course should be familiar with the material
covered in SS 1110,
Introductory Microeconomics.
Cat. II
This course investigates the effect of human activity upon the
environment as well as the effect of the environment on human well
being. It pays special attention to the impact of production and
consumption of material goods upon the quantity and quality of
environmental goods. The analysis focuses on the challenges presented
in mixed economics where markets are combined with government
intervention to manage pollution and scarcity.
The course reviews efforts to measure the costs and benefits of
improving environmental conditions and evaluates current and potential
policies in terms of the costs of the environmental improvements they
may yield. Attention is also paid to the special difficulties which
arise when the impacts of pollution spill across traditional political
boundaries. Students taking this course should be familiar with the
material covered in SS 1110,
Introductory Microeconomics.
Cat. II
This course is an advanced treatment of macroeconomics theory well
suited for students majoring in Economics or Management, or others
with a strong interest in economics. Prior exposure to the
macroeconomics theory covered in
SS 1120-Introductory Macroeconomics
is suggested but not required. The topics addressed are similar to
those covered in SS 1120, however the presentation of the material
will proceed in a more rigorous and theoretical fashion. Mathematics
at a level comparable to that taught in MA 1001
-MA 1004 will
frequently be applied to lend precision to the analysis. The course
will cover National Income and Product Accounting, the Classical
Model, Simple and Complex Keynesian Models, Theories of Consumption,
Theories of Investment, the Activist/NonActivist Stabilization Debate,
Non-Keynesian Macroecenomics Theories, and Growth Theory. This course
will be offered in 1996-97.
IS/P only
A study of the functions and impact of government expenditures and
revenues on the economic system. An analysis of the rationale of
governmental budgets in allocating scarce resources between private
and public goods and services using cost-benefit techniques. More
specifically, the effect of various types of government spending,
taxation, and user charges on factor supplies and distribution of
national income. An analysis of intergovernmental fiscal relations,
and the relationship between fiscal and monetary policies to achieve
full employment, reasonable price stability and economic growth.
This course is designed for the economics major who has opted for the
specialty area of economic growth and stability and for students
interested in understanding the role of government spending and
taxation in the economy.
Students selecting this course should be familiar with the material
covered in SS1120, Introductory Macroeconomics.
Cat. II
An introduction to the theory of money and banking and their impact on
the economy. A study of the Federal Reserve System and the techniques
it uses to affect the cost and supply of money to achieve such
national economic goals as full employment, reasonable economic
growth, price stability and balance of payments equilibrium. The
impact of non-bank financial institutions is also examined.
This course is designed for both economics majors and others
interested in how the commercial banking system, other financial
institutions, and money affect changes in national income, employment
and prices in the United States. Students taking this course should be
familiar with the material covered in SS 1120, Introductory Macroeconomics.
This course will be offered in 1995-96.
Cat. II
This course is a general introduction to the field of development
economics. The focus is on ways in which a developing country can
increase its productive capacity, both agricultural and industrial, in
order to achieve sustained economic growth.
The course proceeds by first examining how economic growth and
economic development are measured and how the various nations of the
world compare according to well-known social and economic
indicators. Theories of economic growth and theories of economic
development are then examined, as are the various social and cultural
structures that are thought to influence economic progress. The inputs
to economic growth and development (land, labor, capital,
entrepreneurial ability, education, technical change), and the
possible distributions of income and levels of employment that result
from their use, is considered next. Domestic economic problems and
policies such as development planning, the choice of sectorial
policies, the choice of monetary and fiscal policies, rapid population
growth, and urbanization and urban economic development are then
examined. The course concludes with a consideration of international
problems and policies such as import substitution and export
promotion, foreign debt, foreign investment, and the role of
international firms.
In conjunction with a traditional presentation of the above topics,
the course curriculum will include the use of computer simulation
models and games. These materials have been formulated with a
simulation technique-system dynamics - that has its origins in control
engineering and the theory of servomechanisms. As a result, students
will find them complimentary to their work in engineering and
science. In addition, the various development theories and simulation
and gaming results will be related, where possible, to specific
developing nations where WPI has on-going project activities (e.g.,
Ecuador and Thailand).
Students selecting this course should be familiar with the material
covered in SS 1120-Introductory Macroeceonomics. This course is
recommended for those students wishing to do an IQP or MQP in a
developing nation.
Cat. II
A course designed to briefly introduce some typical social
"problem” areas, such as crime and delinquency, drugs, mental
illness, poverty and the environment, while addressing a basic
question: what makes something a social "problem"? It also gives
some attention to the basic approaches that have been designed to
study social issues.
The importance of perspective will be stressed both in understanding
the debates about U.S. social problems and in interpreting data. The
intent of the course is to help the student become a critical user of
available information about society as well as to introduce basic
issues in research design and data analysis. The advantages and
disadvantages of approaching social problems in different ways arise
whether one is studying them or trying to deal with them.
This course is intended to be a second-level course, following SS 1202
or SS 1402. Other basic social science courses can be substituted with
the permission of the instructor. People taking SS 2203 as a first
course are at a disadvantage, but can succeed in it. This is permitted
only when the course is appropriate background for a specific proposed
IQP project.
Cat. I
An interdisciplinary course that examines the continuing tension
between individual originality and the research community. It provides
an introduction to some interesting strands in the psychological
literature on creativity and materials from the sociology and
philosophy of science focusing on the process of discovery and its
relationship to scientific advance. Research findings on innovation
and the nature of science are introduced. Examples are taken from
studies of industrial research and development, academic science, the
history of technology and history of science. A focal concern is to
explore the effect that the growing interdependence of science with
political and economic systems has had on the fragile balance between
the individual researcher and the scientific community.
This is intended to be a second-level course to be taken after
SS 1202
or SS 1402. However, it can be taken without prerequisites with the
permission of the instructor. This course will be offered in
1996-97.
Cat. II
A course which considers what one means when they say that we live in
a technological society, focusing on the characteristics of technology
that humanistic critics find problematic or objectionable. In the
course of the analysis, the nature of technology, its connection to
scientific advance, as well as its relationship to the state, and the
social role of scientists and technologists will be
considered. Special attention is given to the behavior of experts in
scientific and technological controversies, and to the debate about
the "technological mentality” said to pervade western
societies. Utopian, Dystopian and Marxist interpretations of where
technological development is taking us will be examined in an effort
to understand the major themes in the larger debate about the social
impact of technology.
This course is intended to be a second-level course to follow
SS 1202,
but has no formal prerequisites. Computer science majors can take it
in place of CS 3043 if they write a term paper on a computer-related
topic.
Cat. II
This course is an examination of the relationship between
science-technology and government. It reviews the history of public
policy for science and technology, theories and opinions about the
proper role of government and several current issues on the national
political agenda. Examples of these issues include genetic
engineering, the environment and engineering education. It also
examines the formation of science policy, the politics of science and
technology, the science bureaucracy, enduring controversies such as
public participation in scientific debates, the most effective means
for supporting research, and the regulation of technology. Throughout
the course we will pay particular attention to the fundamental theme:
the tension between government demands for accountability and the
scientific community's commitment to autonomy and self-regulation.
Students taking this course should be familiar with the basic concepts
of American government covered in SS 1301.
This course will be offered in 1995-96.
Cat. II
The course addresses the role of technical expertise in political
decision making. Politicians and public administrators rely on the
expert knowledge of scientists and engineers to "bring reason” to
otherwise political decisions. The course specifically addresses
decision making in the administrative context including the value of
expert knowledge, circumstances of inadequate information and the need
to accommodate the political agenda. The context for the discussion
will be the problems of regulated industries (for example, energy or
those industries subject to environmental regulation). Legal review of
administrative decision making will also be addressed.
Prior completion of SS 1301 U.S. Government or
SS 2301, Public Policy
Formation and Implementation, is helpful though not required.
This course will be offered in 1995-96.
Cat. II
Constitutional Law is a study of those Supreme Court decisions which
interpret the foundation of American governance, the
U.S. Constitution. These decisions address a wide variety of questions
of historic and contemporary significance. For example: What are the
limits on the powers of the President? How are the powers of the
Congress restricted? How are legislative powers to be shared with the
state and local governments?
Other questions focus on the rights of individuals. What is the right
to privacy and where is it found in law? Does the Constitution protect
women who desire abortions, prevent discrimination against
homosexuals, provide support for affirmative action programs? These
and many other questions of great social and political importance are
answered by the Supreme Court as it interprets the words of the
founders. It is only through the decisions of the Court that we can
come to have a complete understanding of the "living
Constitution."
Prior completion of SS 1310, Law in Society, is helpful though not
required. (Formerly Dynamics and Limits of Law.) This course will be
offered in 1996-97.
Cat. I
This course deals with environmental law as it relates to people,
pollution and land use in our society. A case method approach will be
used to illustrate how the courts and legislators have dealt with
these social-legal problems. The course is designed to have the
student consider: 1) the legal framework within which environmental
law operates; 2) the governmental institutions involved in the
formulation, interpretation and application of environmental law; 3)
the nature of the legal procedures and substantive principles
currently being invoked to resolve environmental problems; 4) the
types of hazards to the environment presently subject to legal
constraints; 5) the impact that the mandates of environmental law have
had, and will have, on personal liberties and property rights; 6) the
role individuals and groups can play within the context of our legal
system to protect and improve man's terrestrial habitat and the
earth's atmosphere; and 7) some methods and sources for legal
research that they may use on their own. This course will be offered
in 1996-97.
Cat. II
Environmental issues present some of the major international problems
and opportunities facing the world today. Worst-case scenarios
envision irrevocable degradation of the earth's natural systems, but
virtually every analysis sees the need for major change worldwide to
cope with problems such as global warming, deforestation, ozone layer
depletion, loss of biodiversity, and population growth, not to mention
exponential increases in "conventional" pollutants in newly
industrialized countries.
The global environment issues represent a "second-generation" of
environmental policy in which the focus of concern has moved from
national regulations to international law and institutions. In
addition, the environment has emerged as a major aspect of
international trade, conditioning corporate investment and accounting
for some $200 billion in sales of pollution control equipment in
1991. Exploration of the genesis and implications of these phenomena
is the essence of the course.
Topically, the material begins with the nature of global environmental
problems, drawing on literature from large-scale global modeling as
well as particular analyses of the problems mentioned
above. Approximately half the course focuses on international laws and
institutions, including multilateral treaties (e.g., the Montreal
Protocol limiting CFC use, ocean dumping, biodiversity), international
institutions (UNEP, the Rio Convention, the OECD) and private
initiatives (international standards organizations, ICOLP (Industry
Committee for Ozone Layer Protection), etc.) In addition, US policy
toward global environmental issues will be compared with that in
Japan, Europe and developing countries, from which it differs
significantly. Students will design and undertake term projects that
address particular issues in detail in an interdisciplinary
manner.
Cat. II
Intellectual Property includes inventions, and the works of authors,
composers and other creative people. Patents, copyrights and
trademarks establish property rights in intellectual property. These
property rights protect the interests of the creator and prohibit
people from appropriating or misusing the ideas and creative works of
others. This course introduces the concept of intellectual property
and the public policy behind the law of patents, copyrights and
trademarks. Subjects addressed include the process of obtaining
patents, trademarks and copyrights; requirements of originality and,
for patents, utility; infringement issues; and the problems posed by
international trade in intellectual property. Trade secrets as
distinguished from intellectual property will also be addressed. There
are no prerequisites, however, it is recommended that students take
SS1310, SS2310 or MG2950 prior to enrolling in this course. NOTE: The
"X" designation denotes an experimental course. The likelihood of
this course being offered again is uncertain.
Cat. I
This course is concerned with the learning of persons in educational
settings from pre-school through college. Material in the course will
be organized into five units covering a wide range of topics: Unit 1:
Understanding Student Characteristics - Cognitive, Personality,
Social, and Moral Development; Unit 2: Understanding the Learning
Process - Behavioral, Humanistic, and Cognitive Theories of
Learning; Unit 3: Understanding Motivation to Learn; Unit 4:
Understanding Student Diversity - Cultural, Economic, and Gender
Effects upon Learning; Unit 5: Evaluating Student Learning -
Standardized Tests, Intelligence, Grades, and other Assessment
Issues.
Students planning IQPs in educational settings will find this course
particularly useful. Instructional methods will include: lecture,
discussion, demonstration, and project work. Course will also focus on
current issues in technological education and international higher
education.
Cat. II.
Environmental policymakers are increasingly coming to the realization
that, in order to be effective, their policies must be based on an
understanding of how people think. In this course the fields of social
and cognitive psychology will provide the background and methodology
for an examination of the thought processes of individuals and groups
when they are faced with environmental problems in the course of their
daily lives. This evaluating alternative public policies in such areas
as global warming, hazardous waste disposal, cancer prevention, and
species extinct.
Topics will include, but not be limited to: (1) Environmental values
(How do people decide what a cleaner environment is worth to them?);
(2) Environmental perception and judgment (How do people decide that
an environmental problem is severe enough to warrant remedial
action?); (3) Environmental education (How accurate are people's
mental conceptions of environmental problems and how can accuracy be
improved by educational programs?); (4) Environmental attitudes and
behavior (What is the relationship between what people say they should
do about the environment and what they actually end up doing?).
Students considering or planning IQP projects on environmental topics
will find this course to be particularly valuable.
Students enrolling in this course will be most successful if they have
first taken either
SS 1401 (Cognitive Psychology) or
SS 1402 (Social Psychology)
as some knowledge of introductory psychology will be assumed.
Cat. II
This course is an introduction to the study of the ways in which
social and cultural forces shape human behavior. Cross-Cultural
psychology takes a global perspective of human behavior that
acknowledges both the uniqueness and interdependence of peoples of the
world. Traditional topics of psychology (learning, cognition,
personality development) as well as topics central to social
psychology, such as intergroup relations and the impact of changing
cultural settings, will be explored. Cultural influences on technology
development and transfer, as they relate to and impact upon individual
behavior, will also be investigated.
Students preparing to work at international project centers,
International Scholars, and students interested in the global aspects
of science and technology will find the material presented in this
course especially useful.
A background in social psychology and/or sociology would be helpful.
Cat. I
An application of economic theory to the problems of a firm with
special emphasis on decision-making. A study of how the firm
manipulates such variables as output, price, advertising and product
quality so as to achieve its goals; and of how its pricing and selling
strategy choices are affected by consideration of the reactions of
rival firms.
Also covered are demand forecasting and cost analysis using regression
and other techniques. A knowledge of the expected future distribution
of demand for individual goods and services and their costs of
production is vital in establishing national economic policies and
priorities. In demand and cost analysis, there is an interface between
economics and technology. Consequently, this area provides a source of
interactive projects that will enable students of engineering or
science to draw on knowledge of their own discipline as well as
economics in analyzing important social problems.
Students taking this course should be familiar with the material
covered in SS 1110,
Introductory Microeconomics.
Cat. II
The Indicators, Impact and Assessment Seminar is a specialized
concepts and methods course designed primarily for Society-Technology
Majors and students presently engaged in planning projects to carry
out such analyses. It is run "seminar" style with one third of the
sessions being reserved for student presentations. The course includes
a laboratory experience and will stress the assessment of the research
designs of existing and proposed social impact and reception of
innovation studies. One focus of attention will be the national effort
to devise "science indicators" by the National Science
Foundation to monitor the vitality of the research enterprise in the
United States. Prospective and retrospective technology assessments
will also be compared. Typical of the case studies to be considered
would be an examination of the predicted impact of nuclear power 30
years ago and assessments of its promise today. Assessment of the
promise and problems of computers, robotics and space technology being
made today are possible topics of discussion, depending on class
interest.
The "Creativity and Scientific Community" or "The
Technology-Society Debate" courses would be a good preparation for
this seminar. Students with background in social science research
methods and at least one social concepts course would be fully
prepared for participation.
This course will be offered in 1995-96.
*May be included in certain Humanities Sufficiency programs.