HIST1627 · Complex Problems and Enduring Questions
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
This is a Complex Problem course and is open to FRESHMEN only. You must take ENGR1801 with this course. Together we will consider how engineers and other stakeholders navigate risks related to industrial and environmental disasters, balance financial, technological, and regulatory pressures associated with complex socio-technical problems, and negotiate technical and political liabilities surrounding artificial intelligence, surveillance, and climate adaptation. Engineering systems present pressing technical, ethical, and moral problems that we must grapple with as engaged global citizens. In this course, students will explore the social, cultural, and institutional history of engineering, learn foundational skills in quantitative analysis of real-world engineering designs, and understand the political, environmental, economic, and ethical tradeoffs associated with building the modern world. Students will collaborate on group design projects based on human-centered engineering.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
Organization
4.6 / 5
How well the course was organized
Challenge
4.5 / 5
How intellectually challenging students found it
Attendance
4.5 / 5
How necessary attendance was
Assignments
4.5 / 5
How helpful assignments were
Weekly effort
~5
hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect only recovered evaluations connected to this course.
Associate Professor of the Practice, Engineering, Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
4.7 / 5
4.1 / 5
Professor, Engineering, Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
4.6 / 5
4.5 / 5
Part Time Faculty, Environmental Studies
3.9 / 5
4.5 / 5
Assistant Professor of the Practice, Engineering, Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
3.8 / 5
4.0 / 5
Student perspective
Recovered and new anonymous comments are shown as written and may reflect different course formats.
May 3, 2026 · Historical comment
Professor Tonn is the best professor I've had around BC thus far. She is so passionate about what she teaches and it makes such a difference. She grades extremely fair and wants to see you succeed. I love her. Would definitely recommend this class. Super interesting and fulfilling.
Dec 12, 2024 · Historical comment
Her history lectures are well put together and she is super knowledgeable about the subjects. Offers interesting perspectives that most history teachers do not. Cares a lot about her students and is also willing to help.
Mar 26, 2024 · Historical comment
Prof. Tonn is a great teacher who is passionate about what she teaches. She is also kind and understanding and will help you.
Across time
Section-level results available in the recovered archive.
Fall 2024
1 sectionFall 2023
11 sectionsFall 2022
12 sections