The idea of technological revolution helps define and explain one of the most important phenomena of modern life: that we live in a time of profound and constant change. This comparative history course will examine technological change and its impact on various societies in Europe, America and Australia over the past 200 years. Topics examined will include industrialisation, transportation, early science fiction, electrification, mass production, telecommunications, warfare, domestic technologies, flight and the computer revolution. Key issues addressed are mankind's relationship with technology (technophilia versus technophobia), the process of invention and development, technological determinism, and the role of gender in the history of technology. A particular focus of the course will be the cultural and social aspects of technological change, exploring the interaction between ideas, technology and the way people lived their lives.

Tutorial participation (10%), 1,200 word book review (20%), 4,000 word case study essay (40%), a 2000 word synoptic essay (30%).