Critical Eng Of Emerging Tech

Host University

Virginia Tech

Semester

Fall 2026

Course Number

ECE-5864

CRN

91170

Credits

3

Discipline

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Course Information

Complex sociotechnical systems and unintended consequences. Engineering profession and society. Frameworks for critical engineering practice. Spread of innovative ideas. Risk, precaution, and innovation constraints. Definitions, mechanisms, and case studies of the governance of existing technologies, such as cybersecurity, Internet, and information technology. Characteristics and examples of emerging technologies. Emerging technology governance frameworks and tools. Hype, expectations, and technology assessment. Governance case studies of specific emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, and neurotechnology. Technologies of democracy and public interest technologies. Governing technology into the future. Master of Information Technology (MIT) students only. Pre: Graduate standing.

Prerequisites

None Prerequisites Enforced: Yes