Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.570.449

Social Theory for Engineers

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.83)

Engineers work in a social context. This course addresses a number of questions about that social context. How should we understand how societies come about, how they evolve,and why the rules of the game are what they are? What is the relationship between the individual and society, what does it mean to be 'modern,' are there different forms of rationality? How might all this impinge on what it means to be an engineer?

Spring 2013

(4.83)

Spring 2015

(4.83)

Spring 2013

Professor: Erica Schoenberger

(4.83)

136 The best aspect of this course was the notes that were provided online. Students also appreciated learning about EPA regulations regarding hazardous waste, and the instructor for not making the required readings and homework excessively difficult. One student felt the instructor read too much verbatim from PDF notes. Another student felt the class was too long, that it should have been divided into halves twice a week. Prospective students should know that note sheets are permitted with the exams and they should put as much as they can onto their note sheets.

Spring 2015

Professor: Erica Schoenberger

(4.83)

Students enjoyed the interesting readings and intimate class size which facilitated relevant group discussion. Students appreciated gaining perspective from other students from diverse majors. Students felt that the readings were difficult and time consuming. Suggestions for improvement included having shorter class periods, assigned readings with a clearer perspective, and writing assignments due the day before so students are able to read classmates’ perspectives. Prospective students are encouraged to prepare for class discussion by thoroughly reading the assigned articles and taking notes on questions and ideas surrounding course topics.