TWC - Session 1

In our first TWC class last week, we discussed an array of topics ranging from the Historical Timeline, reasons why some countries were more developed than the rest, definition and explanation of the term ‘technology’, link between technology, creativity, innovation and invention, to  how times are changing exponentially due to technology.

First, a very interesting and thought provoking video called ‘Shift Happens’ was shown to us. This clip predicted how the future was going to be due to rapid technological advancements.  Some of the statistics  included in this video were shocking. The comparison made between present times and the future made me sit back and ponder about where we’re heading; visualize the future. It wasn’t possible. The theme of this video was:  ‘We are living in exponential times’.

Another video based on Jared Diamond’s book ‘Guns, Germs and Steel’ was shown. Earlier, when I did make an attempt to read this book, I didn’t find it too gripping. History isn’t one of my favorite subjects. But after attending this particular class, I’m determined to take it up again. The discussions in class compelled me to think about all the unanswered questions of history and motivated me to go back and find out more.

One question we were confronted with during class was why certain countries are more developed compared to the others. There were several answers to this. Most said due to the geographical location of the area, and its accessibility to the rest of the world. However, I personally believe that it depends on a wide range of factors, of which one is geographical location (climate, landscape and natural resources). Political, and Cultural and Social factors are present too. The growth of a particular country depends on factors like political stability, trade laws, population and culture too. The question we were faced with was “Why is that you white people developed so much cargo and brought it to New Guinea, but we black people had little cargo of our own?" This question was reiterated a couple of times in class. It actually made us think about the fact that the ‘have nots’ deserve all that we have today.

I’d rate this session a 9 on 10. It was a very good introductory class. Great start for the semester.