• Journal of Engineering Education Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.22-27
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• 2020

We propose and execute an introductory engineering course for investigating the history of technology and the philosophy of technology. Soft engineering, to explore proper technology and appropriate ways of exercising engineering, has been explored. Creative cases for technology are presented following the most creative, successful periods-the ancient greece, the Renaissance and Silicon Valley era. Ancient greek technology has been investigated in terms of "techne" with the origin of technology and/or art, and their equivalences. The Renaissance period has been investigated in terms of "Uomo universale (polymath)" with Firenze geniuses. The successful drives for the Silicon Valley creativeness have been investigated following "entrepreneurship". To overcome the difficult goal to grasp course subject-technology issues, we take a stance as a tourist guide and tourists utilizing offline onsite experiences and online informations. Categorized course materials are surveyed at the beginning of each period and presented following the preferences of the students to maintain the students' interests. Team efforts including group discussions and project executions have been encouraged to seek the aspects of creativeness and/or technology. This paper summarizes the 3-lecture experiences over 2 years for Korean students and/or foreign students conducted at Pusan National University.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.575-580
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• 2018

This paper proposes an introductory engineering course for investigating the history of technology and the philosophy of technology. Soft engineering, a new engineering field to explore proper technology and appropriate ways of exercising engineering, was explored. Creative cases for technology are presented following the most creative, successful, and proficient periods-ancient Greek technology, the Renaissance, and Silicon Valley era. Ancient Greek technology was investigated in terms "techne" with the origin of technology and/or art, and their equivalence. The Renaissance period was investigated in terms of "Uomo universale (universal man)" with Firenze geniuses. The successful drivers for the Silicon Valley creativeness were based on "entrepreneurship" and continuation and revitalization of modern and near future technological cultures. The factors driving creativeness were explored. To approach the difficult goal to grasp the course subject issues, facts, and/or concepts of the history and philosophy of technology, this paper takes a stance as a tourist guide and tourists utilizing considerable offline onsite experience and online information. Categorized course materials were surveyed at the beginning of each period and presented according to the preference of the students to maintain the students' interests. Team efforts, including group discussions and project executions, have been encouraged to seek the aspects of creativeness and/or technology.