Professor David A. Mindell
Program in Science, Technology, and Society
Building E51 Room 194A
Phone: x3-0221, mindell@mit.edu
Office Hours: Mondays 10-12am (or make an appointment through Judy Spitzer, x3-4044)

Course web site: web.mit.edu/STS.035/www/
Class meets: Mondays, 1-4 pm in room 24-112 
Attendance in class is required

FINAL PAPER GUIDELINES April 17

Course Description: Examines the development of computing techniques and technology in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, particularly critical evaluation of how the idea of "computer" changes and evolves over time. Emphasis is on technical innovation, industrial development, social context, and the role of government. Topics include Babbage, Hollerith, differential analyzers, control systems, ENIAC, radar, operations research, computers as scientific instruments, the rise of "computer science," artificial intelligence, personal computers, and networks. Includes class visits by members of the MIT community who have made important historical contributions.

Prerequisites: General familiarity with computer architecture, some prior programming experience.