STS 305: Social Issues in Auto Design

Course Description

An examination of the impact of four contemporary social issues - vehicle safety, energy consumption, environmental impact, and a changing workforce - on the design and engineering of automobiles in the context of globalization and rapid technological change. Using a series of case studies, the course will focus on the ways social concerns, government regulation, and professional ethics, as well as industry standards and technical considerations, affect the decision-making processes of automobile designers and engineers. (OC).