Technology and Society

Quoted directly from Blackboard

Introduction

The term paper is one of the most important assignments you will complete during this course. The term paper is an opportunity for you to research a topic relating to our course that you have found interesting and desire to learn more about by conducting your own research. The term paper can be on a topic of your choice, but does require instructor approval, which you will have received during week 11 when you submitted your term paper topic proposal. In your term paper, you should demonstrate your knowledge by successfully synthesizing and incorporating at least three or more key course concepts into your paper, demonstrating how they relate to your chosen topic.

The Assignment

Note: the term paper must be turned in by the end of week 14.
Each student will be required to submit a term paper as part of this course. The term paper must be on a topic approved by the instructor, but generally any topic that addresses the impact of technology on society, whether past, present or future, would be acceptable. Term paper should successfully incorporate and synthesize at least three or more key concepts from the course. Term papers should be no less than five full pages of text and should not exceed ten pages, although longer papers will be accepted. The term paper must be done in MLA format, using 12 Times New Roman font, and double-spaced. All term papers will use a minimum of two printed sources (books, magazines, professional journals, etc) and two electronic sources (legitimate websites, NC Live, etc). Students are encouraged to use more and varies sources such as interviews, site visits, etc. Note: for more information on “legitimate websites” and how to recognize them, visit the FTCC Library’s informative website and read their guidance. If still in doubt about the validity of a potential online source, feel free to discuss such potential websites with the instructor before using them.

Course concepts you might incorporate include but are not limited to:

Law of the Hammer

Law of the Possible

Technology as a System

Technology as a Subversive Force

The Technological Fix

Technocracy

Scientific Management

The Unintended Consequences of Technology

Social Constructivism

Technological Determinism

Technological Closure

The Social Processes Model of Technological Advance

The Great Men and Women View of Technological Advance

Pollution

Depletion

Global Warming/Climate Change

Alternative Energy

Cultural Lag Theory

Convergence Theory

Action and Reaction

Arms Control

Mutually Assured Destruction

The Digital Divide

TV/Video Violence

The Network Effect

Social Networking

Video Game Addiction

Privacy in the Digital Age

Telework/Telecommuting

Technology’s Effects on the Workplace

Outsourcing, Offshoring, and Economic Globalization

etc….

If you have a question about a concept not on this list, feel free to ask!

Acceptable Length

5 or more full pages of text. There is no penalty for exceeding five pages.

Formatting Requirements

Paper will be in MLA format.

Use one-inch margins.

Use a 12-point Times New Roman or Ariel font.

Use double line spacing in the document.

Grading Criteria

Content: Student turns in a paper of five or more pages that reflects the topic agreed upon during the term paper
proposal assignment. Content is accurate and supported. Extensive use is made of course concepts (at least 3 or more). Up to 70% of term paper grade.

Grammar: Paper is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, capitalization, word usage, etc. Up to 10% of term paper grade, but instructor reserves the right to deduct additional points for papers that contain excessive errors.

Research Sources: Student has at least four legitimate (scholarly) sources in addition to the textbook, of which at least two are valid print sources and at least two are valid electronic sources (retrieved from school database or valid scholarly websites). Up to 10% of term paper grade.

Format: Student makes good use of MLA format to include a proper header on page one with all required information in the correct order, MLA style page numbering with student’s last name and page number on each page in the upper right corner, correct parenthetical citation in text to show sources of quotes and information, and a works cited page listing all sources Up to 10% of term paper grade.