Week+6

Two hundred years ago, the scientific and industrial revolutions in the West began a series of technological changes and social, political and economic events that are still unfolding across the globe. In this unit, we investigate the causes of these revolutions and their consequences for human society, human individuals and the natural world.
 * Week 6: Science, technology and industry: the second great transition**

**Notes:** **(** //Some starting perspectives// **)** The industrial revolution which is continuing in many parts of the globe, made possible the amazingly high standards of living, materialism and consumerism many of us presently 'enjoy'. It was coupled with or preceeded by the age of enlightenment; it was founded on spectacular individual breakthroughs in science and technology. You need a working understanding of its origins and necessary precedents, its growth and impact on society. The next topic will focus more on its environmental and potential long term effects.

**Resources** : **1) Industrial Revolution** : Wikipedia article [|Industrial Revolution] This provides a good overview of all aspects of the Industrial Revolution. For this week, focus on Sections 1 (introductory ideas), 2 (Innovations including advances in Britain, a useful first case history) and 9 (causes). 2) ‘ [|The Major Transitions in the History of the Human Transformation of the Biosphere’], Takacs-Santa (2004). This excellent resource covers all of the great transitions and should be read in its entirity for general overview and revision. For this week pay particular attention to the 'Sixth Transition'. 3) View the video created by Globiai for a visual understanding of the consequences of industrialisation: [] You have seen this before: it is worth reviewing frequently. 4) For an ecologist's view of the industrial revolution, explore the brief outline on this site: []

**Activities:** **Week 6 Assignment Due 5pm Sunday 16th September** **Forum posts due by end of week 6** **Integration and Collaboration Reports due 5pm Sunday 16th September**

**Activity 1:** Week 6 Assignment: Write about 500 to 1000 words, based on the set references and others you may find, on **how industrialisation has changed human lives and destinies.** Submit as a word document which includes the question as your title. **Activity 2:** Post to the Week 6 Forum a thread on: **Can further 'industrialisation' improve our quality of life?** Post a reply to the threads of at least three others. **Activity 3:**

Read the [|IHS Integration Report Guide] and the [|IHS Collaboration Report Guide] in preparation for your reports due September 16.

**Activity 4:**

Add to your learning journal and spend some time making sure your wiki is up to date in your learning journal (with short weekly entries), assignments and forum posts.