Rudi Volti

A nice primer on the origins and development of automotive technology and industry by a professor at Pitzer. Short on visuals, but chock-full of information about the invention and (sometimes much later) incorporation of the technologies we take for granted today, from the internal combustion engine to traction control. It's a real trip reading this 2003 work, a few years removed from Peak Oil, and the possibilities that are just waiting to be explored in a companion piece or an expanded edition. Food for thought when considering the role of the automobile in the U.S., and its potential for adaptation to manifold (haha) economic and environmental game-changers. Plus, even if you're a total gearhead, you may be surprised at what you learn. (Originally posted to LivingSocial 2008)… (més)

This book is a great introduction to the field of STS (Science and Technology in Society) and the best one I've seen for beginning STS students. It gives a broad range of ideas and materials to introduce students to various aspects of STS, as well as a good deal of history. It deals with print and communications media, the environment, business, the economy, the government, and the military among other subjects. I do feel that there are some few subjects that could use updating, but it's a small quibble compared with the scope of the book. This is overall the best intro to the subject I've found, and if I ever go back to teaching STS 101, it's certainly the text I'll choose. Oh, and one last point--it's accessable for a broad range of students! This is a student-centered layman's textbook, perfect for a college freshman or highschool student.… (més)