As for all professions, civil engineering exists within our wider society. Although highly technical in nature, civil engineering as a field intersects our societal fabric at junctures that shape the roles of this profession. Consider a building or bridge: if society did not need or want this structure, what would be the point of having a civil engineer design or construct it? In return, civil engineers also influence our society. Stronger materials, innovative designs, and creative ideas spur society forward. With roads and bridges, for example, pioneers discover new lands; on domes and facades, artists capture our human spirit. And so society flourishes.

For this project, you will explore a societal aspect of civil engineering. Possible topics cover a wide vista, from general to specific:

Your final essay must be approximately 5 pages in length, excluding the listing of cited references. At designated points in the term, you will be required to submit a paragraph describing your topic, a complete draft for review, and a final version for grading. Be sure to include in this essay your interpretation of the role of civil engineering within society. Along the way, please feel free to consult your writing instructor for this course.

2-Dec-99

(Courtesey Bob Bonk and Alexander Cheng)