The history of the mechanical clock paper

(
minimum 750 words; no maximum)

Technology is often the product of people and their circumstances, yet its influence also far surpasses its immediate environment. This understanding of technology helps to explain the resulting changes

to
human behavior that occur over time, especially when one considers the historical periods involved in the development and distributions of specific technologies.

In keeping with the idea that some technologies may possess inherent value-laden qualities, consider how the invention of mechanized timekeeping devices (such as the mechanical clock)

have radically changed
human behavior over the last 1000 years.

For this assignment, explain the historical context and cultural traditions which led to the development of the mechanical clock. Do research on how the development and adoption of the mechanical clock in Europe later affected the United States. Be sure to give examples. Then, consider your own experience with a form of

artifactual
timekeeping. Consider the influence that precision in accurate

timekeeping
has had upon your own behavior, both in your everyday life and especially as an engineer.

In your write up, be sure to:

1. Describe the history of the mechanical clock, including at least one influence that led to its development (e.g., historical, cultural, religious, social, economic, political).

2. Explain how the mechanical clock gave rise to the concept of

artifactual
time.

3. Explain how precision in accurate timekeeping affected human behavior in both Europe and the United States. Give examples.

4. Think about how

artifactual
timekeeping has affected your own behavior, both in your everyday life and especially as an engineer. That is, consider the importance of measuring time with accuracy and precision that makes possible your training as an engineer.

Grading

Write an essay that addresses the questions above. When you respond to these questions, you should be specific and cite specific details from the readings, class lectures, and your own research. You may provide references

from
your own research, but only in addition to material provided by the course. Also, you should make sure to cite your sources in your response and include a reference list at the end of your essay. Citations must be from reputable sources. Sites like Wikipedia, about.com, etc.

are
NOT considered acceptable sources.

Higher credit will be given for responses that show evidence of a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the topics involved.

You are encouraged to review the rubric for this assignment and make sure that you answer each question in detail and with specifics.

Correct use of English is a fundamental requirement for your papers to be graded. If errors in English make it difficult for a grader to understand your sentences, or excessively slow down the grader to mark your technical errors, your paper will be returned to you for further work on its English, and your grade for the paper will be deferred until it is resubmitted with corrected English. If your assignment is returned for an excessive number of grammatical errors, you will be allowed to rewrite and resubmit it within two weeks of the original return date. If not resubmitted by the date set by your instructor, you will receive a zero (0) for the writing assignment.

Formatting

Standard font, preferably Arial in either 11pt or 12pt.

MLA, APA, or any other format is acceptable provided that it is consistent through the entire paper. Please, no cover sheets.

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis	20.0 pts Thesis is clear and coherent throughout the entire paper. 17.0 pts Thesis is clear and coherent throughout most of the paper. 14.0 pts Thesis is intelligible, but needs work. 10.0 pts Thesis is unclear or incoherent. 6.0 pts Thesis is missing. 0.0 pts No observable effort in writing a thesis.	20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeHistory of the Mechanical Clock	20.0 pts History of the mechanical clock and influences upon its development are clear and relevant. 17.0 pts History of the mechanical clock and influences upon its development are sufficiently clear and relevant. 14.0 pts History of the mechanical clock and influences upon its development are intelligible, but need work. 10.0 pts History of the mechanical clock and influences upon its development are unclear or irrelevant. 6.0 pts History and influences are missing. 0.0 pts No observable effort in telling history.	20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe Clock, Europe, and the USA.	20.0 pts Explanation of the clock’s influence on Europe and the USA is clear and detailed. 17.0 pts Explanation of the clock’s influence on Europe and the USA is sufficiently clear and detailed. 14.0 pts Explanation of the clock’s influence on Europe and the USA is intelligible, but needs work. 10.0 pts Explanation of the clock’s influence on Europe and the USA is unclear and irrelevant. 6.0 pts Explanation is missing. 0.0 pts No observable effort in explaining.	20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePersonal Reflection	20.0 pts Reflection upon the influence of artifactual timekeeping, in both one’s personal life and as an engineer, is clear and detailed. 17.0 pts Reflection upon the influence of artifactual timekeeping, in both one’s personal life and as an engineer, is sufficiently clear and detailed. 14.0 pts Reflection upon the influence of artifactual timekeeping is intelligible, but needs work. 10.0 pts Reflection upon the influence of artifactual timekeeping is unclear and lacks detail. 6.0 pts Reflection is missing. 0.0 pts No observable effort in reflecting.	20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEssay Mechanics	20.0 pts Executes on spelling, grammar, and paragraph structure perfectly. 17.0 pts Executes on spelling, grammar, and paragraph structure nearly perfectly. 14.0 pts Executes on spelling, grammar, and paragraph structure intelligibly. 10.0 pts Pervasive problems in spelling, grammar, sentence and/or paragraph structure. 6.0 pts Enough pervasive problems in spelling, grammar, sentence and/or paragraph structure to make overall essay very difficult to understand. 0.0 pts No observable effort in essay mechanics.	20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSLO 2: Influences on U.S. culture threshold: 3.0 pts	5.0 ptsExceeds Expectations 3.0 ptsMeets Expectations 0.0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations	—
Total Points: 100.0