In all eras and cultures, living conditions are shaped not only by political decisions or social processes, but also by the technology available at the time. How people produce and use technology always depends on environmental conditions - not least on the resources available.

As part of the historical sciences, the history of technology used to focus primarily on spectacular inventions and their inventors, as well as innovation processes from the flash of inspiration to the marketable product. In the meantime, the perspective has broadened considerably: the history of technology now describes and analyzes the entire process of the creation, dissemination, and use of technology. It thus covers topics ranging from the design of technical objects to global aspects of technological development and repair practices. In addition, environmental history issues have gained importance in recent decades.

The seminar will discuss selected texts, as well as audio and film material on topics related to the history of technology and/or the environment, such as the history of mobility, the history of the engineering profession, and the history of energy systems. The main purpose of examining these case studies is to gain a better understanding of how technology has always depended on social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental contexts.

To receive 4 LP, students must a) submit short, informal comments on the topics to be covered each week and b) give a short oral summary of the submissions and lead the corresponding discussion in a session, usually in pairs. No prior knowledge is required. The maximum number of participants is limited to 25.

Please note that the seminar is held in English in the summer term. In the winter term, it is held in German.