Entering the Cyborg Millennium
Transformation in Technology and Human Society

Last taught: Summer 2007, Portland State University

Course Description

This course explores the impact of twentieth century revolutions in information technology and genetics on our lives and on diverse cultures by looking at change in relationships, work, privacy, reproduction, and personal responsibility. From workplace surveillance to mail retrieval, from pre-natal genetic screening to cloning, from human consciousness to artificial intelligence, we examine the dangers, opportunities and ethical ambiguities inherent in new technologies. Through stories, films, case studies, art, books, and original projects, students will have a wide range of outlets through which to explore and express their own questions and ideas.

Class Goals

This course is designed to support the following four University Studies goals:

• Inquiry and Critical Thinking
  Students will learn various modes of inquiry through interdisciplinary curricula –problem-posing, investigating, conceptualizing — in order to become active, self-motivated, and empowered learners.
• Communication
  Students will enhance their capacity to communicate in various ways — writing, graphics, numeracy, and other visual and oral means — to collaborate effectively with others in group work, and to be competent in appropriate communication technologies.
• The Diversity of Human Experience
  Students will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of the rich complexity of the human experience through the study of differences in ethnic and cultural perspectives, class, race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.
• Ethical Issues and Social Responsibility
  Students will expand their understanding of the impact and value of individuals and their choices on society, both intellectually and socially, through group projects and collaboration in learning communities.

Schedule

Date	Topics	Readings (done before class)
Mon-16-Jul	Introductions; syllabus review; informal logic & argumentation	None
Tue-17-Jul	Neuroscience review; medical applications of neuroengineering	Cochlear implants (MED-EL); deep brain stimulation (Johns Hopkins)
Wed-18-Jul	Introduction to research	None
Thu-19-Jul	Neuroprosthetics & neuroenhancement	Rosahl
Mon-23-Jul	The embodied mind; autonomous agents; artificial intelligence	Dennett; Miedaner
Tue-24-Jul	Functionalism	Searle
Wed-25-Jul	Genetic engineering in medicine (knockouts? stem cells?)	Kelly; Henderson; AP article on made-to-order defects
Thu-26-Jul	Genetic engineering in industry	BBSRC; Sierra Club
Mon-30-Jul	Quiz; data analysis & visualization	Chudler; Tufte
Tue-31-Jul	Monitoring technologies, privacy, and individual rights	Wahlin; HR 493 GINA
Wed-01-Aug	Presentations
Thu-02-Aug	The science of science fiction: When will The Singularity arrive?	Kurzweil

Assignments

Date	Assignment (due at the beginning of class on this date)
Mon-16-Jul
Tue-17-Jul
Wed-18-Jul	The year is 2075CE. New medical applications of neuroengineering abound. Describe two of them.
Thu-19-Jul	Refworks assignment
Mon-23-Jul	What is the ultimate nightmare of neuro-enhancement? Its likelihood?
Tue-24-Jul	Annotated bibliography and paper proposal
Wed-25-Jul	Is there an essential difference between “natural” and “artificial” intelligence?
Thu-26-Jul
Mon-30-Jul	Humans have been historically cultivating, and thereby altering, plants and animals for thousands of years. Give 3-4 examples and discuss: Does it matter how we make such changes?
Tue-31-Jul	Quantitative literacy assignment
Wed-01-Aug	First draft of paper and 4-5 minute informal oral presentation.
Thu-02-Aug	Research paper draft due.

Readings

Most of the assigned readings are available on the WebCT site for this course. A few others are available directly from the web, as shown below.

Neuroengineering

• Rosahl (2007) Neuroprosthetics and neuroenhancement
• MED-EL Corp., Understanding Cochlear Implants
• Johns Hopkins site on Deep Brain Stimulation

Artificial intelligence

• Miedaner (1977) The Soul of Mark III Beast
• Dennett (1978) Where Am I?
• Hawkins J (2004) On Intelligence
• Kurzweil R (2006) The Singularity is Near, pp. 85-94; 376-390; 435-450
• Searle (1980) Minds, Brains, and Programs

Genetic engineering

• Kelly K (2000) An Introduction to Gene Therapy
• Sierra Club Position statement on genetic engineering
• ISBR site on GM crops
• BBSRC site on GM
• NCBE site on GM

Data analysis and visualization

• Tufte (1983) The Visual Display of Quantitative Information,
  pp. 94-95; 100-105; 53-77
• Chudler – statistics

Technology, privacy, and individual rights

• National Cancer Institute website on genetic testing

 

Grading

If you have a disability and are in need of academic accommodations, please notify me (the instructor) immediately to arrange needed support. Course grade will be based on the following:

Assignments 40%
Discussions 30%
Research paper draft & presentation 15%
Quiz 15%