2. Compare major theoretical perspectives on how technology shapes institutions, inequality, and growth.

3. Apply course theories to real-world cases, assessing the social and political consequences of specific technologies.

4. Critically evaluate empirical claims about technological change, identifying assumptions, evidence, and limitations.

5. Communicate clear, well-structured arguments about technology and development in written exams, oral presentations, and class discussion.

• Distinguish between technological, social, political, and economic change

• Identify key mechanisms linking technology to social outcomes

• Compare assumptions and causal logics across frameworks

• Assess the scope and limits of each perspective

• Use theory to interpret historical and contemporary examples

• Link abstract concepts to observable outcomes

• Explain variation across cases using theoretical tools

• Assess data, methods, and causal claims

• Identify limitations, biases, or missing evidence

• Evaluate how well evidence supports conclusions

• Support arguments with theory and evidence

• Organize ideas logically and coherently

• Communicate effectively in writing and oral presentation

• Analytical Skills: analyze research questions using theoretical arguments and empirical evidence

• Effective Communication: articulate clear and structured arguments in oral and written form

• Comparative Perspective: examine political and economic outcomes across different global contexts

• Room: Campus Santa Fe, 2003

• Office Hours: By appointment

• Presentations, mid-term, and final exam, each worth 33%

• Submit two questions based on the class readings via Canvas, each 50-100 words before 11pm on Wednesday before the discussion session on Thursday They will help in guiding the class discussion

• No specific books are necessary

• If you have issues finding the recommended materials, email me

Each question should be between 50 and 100 words.

Questions should engage with the readings, either addressing them individually or holistically.

Begin each question by referencing a specific part of the text or its overarching message. Then, formulate a critical question that encourages thoughtful discussion and deeper analysis during class.

Please post the question directly on Canvas

• 50–100 words
• Explicit reference to a core argument
• Critical, not descriptive
• Opens space for theory vs. alternative explanations
• Well suited to discussion, not just recall

• Visual Aids: Use slides effectively—keep text legible, visuals relevant, and avoid overloading slides with information.

• Critical Analysis: Go beyond summarizing by discussing research limitations, unanswered questions, and areas for improvement or broader connections.

• Preparation Matters: Practice to stay within the time limit, maintain a confident tone, and avoid reading verbatim from notes or slides.

• Engage and Respond: Be ready to answer 2-3 questions from peers or the instructor, encouraging thoughtful class discussion.

Why does technology sometimes help and sometimes harm?

Technology has reshaped society for thousands of years.

But understanding why requires analytical tools.

This course teaches you to think causally about technology and social change.

Each arrow hides complexity. Our job is to unpack it.

• Smartphone use and loneliness both rose
• But lonely people may adopt phones more
• A third factor could drive both

The point: We need causal analysis, not just observation.

Not enough to say “automation causes job loss.”

Mechanisms tell us where to intervene.

Same factory automation, 1920s–1950s:

• Germany: Strong unions negotiated retraining
• USA: Weaker unions, more displacement

Key insight: Same technology, different institutions, different outcomes.

We will use this example throughout the course.

Let us test them on the most important case in human history.

Next: The Agricultural Revolution—where inequality began.

Not ancient history—it is the foundation of the modern world.

At least eight independent origins—not a single invention that diffused.

Key: Surplus + sedentism made new social forms possible—not inevitable.

Paradox: Agriculture spread despite making most lives harder.

• Foragers could not accumulate (mobility)
• Agriculture made accumulation possible
• Accumulation produced permanent inequality

Lesson: Technology enables new forms of power.

More food –> population grows –> more farming –> cannot go back. This is path dependence.

Insight: Technological change always redistributes power.

Why? Beneficiaries resist change. New institutions build on old ones. Norms reinforce structures.

Putterman & Weil (2010): longer agricultural history correlates with higher GDP today.

• 1,000 extra years of farming –> ~5–6% higher income

Mechanism: agriculture –> surplus –> specialization –> states –> infrastructure –> growth

Open debate: Geography vs. institutions vs. culture? (Lecture 4)

Next: Does this same pattern repeat across revolutions?

Each followed a recognizable pattern.

Recognizing patterns is not enough. You need to think critically.

Next: Three questions to protect you from bad arguments.

Social media: designed to connect, amplified misinformation

Agriculture: adopted to reduce hunger, trapped by population growth

Why this happens:

• Complex systems produce emergent properties
• Individual rationality does not equal collective optimality
• Institutions persist beyond their original purpose

1. Technological determinism

“AI will inevitably eliminate jobs” — Effects depend on institutions and policy.

2. Confusing correlation with causation

“Social media and depression rose together” — Identify mechanisms first.

3. Ignoring distribution

“Technology benefits society” — Which parts of society, specifically?

These questions will guide every reading and discussion.

Next: A roadmap for the semester ahead.

Each lecture applies the five analytical tools from today.

In 50 years, will historians say the Digital Revolution:

• Created unprecedented opportunity?
• Created a new “trap” like agriculture?
• Both?

Your generation will shape the answer. This course gives you the tools to understand the stakes.