Course: EW462 Emerging Technologies

3 Credits – 3 Recitation Hours – 0 Laboratory Hours


Course Description:

This course focuses on skills and toolsets for evaluation of new and emerging technologies using a sociotechnological development model. It includes discussions of basic science, state-of-the-art technologies and current research trends in a variety of emerging areas, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, cybernetics, etc. Students are presented metrics and tools with which they can objectively and critically evaluate emerging technologies. These tools are then applied to case studies of technologies that have previously “emerged” and are now considered considered mainstream as well as a few that didn’t. Once students are comfortable applying these methods of analysis, the class begins to explore the latest trends based on current emerging technology. Credit cannot be received for both EW462 and EW503.


Pre-requisites:

1/C ERC major, or Dept Chair Approval

Course Coordinator:

Dr. Webster-Giddings

Textbook:

None

Course Objectives: At the completion of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Articulate the importance and impact of forward thinking in technology matters.

  2. Follow the methodology for sound projection of emerging technologies.

  3. Apply rigorous socio-technological analysis tools to novel technologies.

  4. Understand the science, state-of-the-art, and long-term implications of a variety of important emerging technologies.

  5. Understand the roles of money, society and politics in technological development.

  6. Tie projection and prediction of advanced technologies to life at the USNA, in the military service, and in society in general.

Topics:

  1. Metrics and tools used to objectively and critically evaluate emerging technologies

  2. Previous topics have included: Mind control, biological computers, quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, genetic engineering, performance enhancing drugs, cybernetic implants.