HIST 238 Science and Technology in the Modern World
Final Exam Fall 2022
Short Essays (50% each): Your essay should be based on historical evidence drawn from the course materials (including lectures, readings, and discussions). The total length of the two essays (double-spaced, font size 12) must be between 5 and 6 pages.
Essay 1 (50%)
Statement: There is little question that science and technology have transformed the face of modern warfare. During the 20th century, for example, the ways of war evolved as military technology, methods of production, and industrial-political systems changed notably from WWI through the Cold War.
Do you agree with the statement? Whether your answer is Yes or No, please use relevant course material to support your position. (You answer must include at least one reference each to Bowler and Morus, Making Modern Science and Carroll Pursell, The Machine in America.)
Essay 2 (50%):
You turn up to a party and meet a new friend, Blueberry. You are happy to learn that Blueberry shares your keen interest in the history of science and technology. Encouraged by the atmospheric music and soft light, you two get into an exciting conversation about social perceptions of science and technology. Blueberry says that science and technology have always represented progress and success, at least in the United States. People have always embraced them without question or hesitation. You disagree. Having taken HIST 238, you believe that you can give a more nuanced account of how Americans have perceived science and technology over the 20th century. Please tell Blueberry what you know about the topic.