APS1018H: The Engineer in Society-Ethics, History, and Philosophy

This course provides insider insight into the way engineers think and feel about the work they do. The course includes methodological background on the nature of engineering work, engineering as an analytical, integrative, and generative thought process. The course begins by providing a historical background on the evolution and impact of technology on cultural and social change from the medieval period through to modern times. We then explore engineering as a practice, engineering as a profession, and engineering as a distinctive way of thinking from basic science as well as engineering's interrelation to the development of modern business practice. The course includes motivational reflection upon a number of ways in which engineering can be a satisfying occupation, seeking to understand the emotional satisfaction of complex design and problem solving as well as the social satisfaction of working in complex team settings with mixed and varied expertise. The course uses landmark books and papers, critical reading assignments, outside guest visitors and digital and social media to gain these insights, and the course concludes with reflections on recent changes in technological employment and how human resource leaders can help professional engineers — both recent graduates and experienced practitioners - align with the pace and challenge of 21st century practice.

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St. George