Prologue

In order to become innovative and daring technological leaders in your chosen fields, it is imperative each of you develop a broad understanding of the economic, social, and cultural forces shaping emerging technologies over and beyond the basic mechanics of how these technologies work. Without this foundation, narrow technical background may result skill sets that easily become out of date. The accelerated pace of change merits facility with discussions of the historical, social and cultural contexts of technological evolution. This foundation course will prepare you for research in the emerging technologies of your chosen fields by supplying the necessary background theory, context and methodology.