Option #2: Learning Materials

Choose two of the historical resources (not the articles defining technological determinism & social constructivism) from the Required Learning Materials that interest you and then do the following: 

1. Put full citations for both of the resources in MLA format at the top of your post. 
2. For each resource, explain whether it takes the approach of social constructivism or technological determinism? Or is there a combination of both approaches? How do you know this? What specifics from each resource give you hints about its approach? 
3. Determine which resource you think is most successful with its approach and explain why.  
4. Use at least one quote from each resource in your discussion. Make sure to provide in-text citations for both quotes in MLA format. 

Historical resources (Please click on links):

• Technological Determinism
• Social Constructionism
• Beer
• Railroads
• Domestic Science
• Medieval Technology

Sample Solution

1. “Beer.” The Oxford Companion to Beer, edited by Garrett Oliver, Oxford University Press, 2012, pp. 23-30.
2. “Railroads.” Technology and Culture, vol. 27, no. 4, 1986, pp. 683-715.
3. Resource #1: “Beer” Approach: Technological Determinism This resource takes a technological determinism approach as it focuses on the technological advancements and innovations in the brewing industry throughout history. It describes how the development of new technologies, such as the thermometer and hydrometer, allowed for more accurate temperature control and measurement of sugar levels in the brewing process (Oliver, 25). The resource also delves into the impact of industrialization on the beer-making process, as mass production techniques were introduced and refined (Oliver, 28).
4. Resource #2: “Railroads” Approach: Social Constructionism This resource takes a social constructivism approach as it examines how the development and spread of railroads in the 19th century was shaped by cultural and economic factors. It argues that the impact of railroads on society and the …Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here