Design for Global Society

Catalog description

ENGR 320Y examines engineering design from a societal perspective by asking the question, "What are the responsibilities and challenges of designers in considering the needs and welfare of current and future societies, and of specific segments and groups within those societies?" Students investigate and analyze a diverse range of perspectives on technology and consider and apply those perspectives to actual design projects and case studies. ENGR 320Y is designed as writing-intensive with the goal of having students practice a variety of writing assignments. Those assignments include short, informal assessments and longer research papers. Also, students will work in collaborative groups on an academically-themed project related to the design intent of this course. Student teams will write proposals for projects that explore the means of environmental improvement. Teams will deliver presentations in class and at related events such as campus Earth Day celebrations. Beyond the writing-intensive focus, the course has three other stated goals. One is to enhance student understanding by adopting a writing-to-learn approach for course assignments. The second is to help students appreciate and understand the formal design process with a focus on the diversity of the end users of their designs. The third is to have students take responsibility for their design during the process by recognizing the impact of technology on society. Meeting these goals involves readings and critical analyses in the areas of ethics, history, economy, ecology, science, and engineering.