INFO 1210

Political Economy of Technology

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course examines how processes of technology development and deployment are shaped by their social, political, and economic environments. We will draw on sociological research and other perspectives from the social sciences to analyze how technologies are socially constructed, and specifically how innovation is structured by the relationship between capital, labor, and government. In addition to analyzing the contested terrain of technological progress, students will also explore the institutional, organizational, and policy conditions under which innovation can benefit a broader array of stakeholders.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze how technological systems reflect and reinforce existing social, political, and economic structures across different historical and geographic contexts.
• Identify the role of key actors—including states, corporations, and civil society—in shaping the development and governance of emerging technologies.
• Demonstrate understanding of the ethical, social, and economic implications of contemporary technological advancements.

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