2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
History of Technology A
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Toma Kawanishi
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.T103
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course surveys the historical development of technology from prehistory to the early modern period (just before the Industrial Revolution). Technology is examined not merely as a collection of tools or inventions, but as a historical phenomenon shaped by and shaping society, economy, politics, culture, and environment. Particular attention is paid to the relationships between technology and state formation, religion, warfare, trade, and knowledge systems, focusing on the purposes for which technologies were historically used.
Course description and aims
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
(1) Explain the relationship between technological development and social contexts
(2) Analyze the role of technology within historical frameworks
(3) Critically examine modern technology from a historical perspective
Keywords
History of Technology, State and Technology, War and Technology, Religion and Technology, Time Consciousness, Technology Transfer
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The course is primarily lecture-based, supplemented by short written reflections and occasional discussions. Historical sources, visual materials, and videos may be used when appropriate. Questions and comments from the previous session will be addressed at the beginning of each lecture.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Prehistory and Technology: Human Evolution and the Neolithic Revolution |
Details will be provided later. |
| Class 2 | Technology and Early States: Writing, Bureaucracy, Large-Scale Engineering, Metallurgy, and Early WarfareIrrigation Techniques and Ancient Civilization Systems |
Details will be provided later. |
| Class 3 | Knowledge and Technology in the Ancient World: Hellenistic Science and Roman EngineeringSteelmaking technology that solves resource problems |
Details will be provided later. |
| Class 4 | Medieval Technological Systems: Agricultural Revolution, Power Technologies, Gothic Architecture, and Mechanical Time |
Details will be provided later. |
| Class 5 | Technology Transfer from East to West: Paper, Compass, Gunpowder, and Printing |
Details will be provided later. |
| Class 6 | The Renaissance Engineers: Engineer as Military Engineer and Artist, Perspective, and the Printing Revolution |
Details will be provided later. |
| Class 7 | The Scientific Revolution from the Perspective of the History of Technology |
Details will be provided later. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None required
Reference books, course materials, etc.
None required
Evaluation methods and criteria
Evaluation is based on weekly reflection submissions and a final paper.
Weighting: Participation / Reflections: 30%; Final Paper: 80%
Related courses
- LAH.T203 ： History of Technology B
- LAH.T303 ： History of Technology C
- LAH.S416 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences16:History of Technology
Prerequisites
no required
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
toma.kawanishi＠gmail.com