GTEC1304

Explore the history and future of the automobile and its impact on labor, culture, society, the environment, and the economy of the United States. Analyze the effect of the automobile on your present and future lifestyles.Student Learning Outcomes

• discuss the impact of the automobile on American culture, society and the economy throughout its history
• compare and contrast the effects of World Wars I & II, The Depression, The Industrial Revolution, the GI Bill, and "Baby Boom" generation on the consumer and automobile industry
• discuss the history and future impact of the energy crisis, European and Asian Imports, and environmental impact of the automobile on consumers and automobile manufacturers
• compare and contrast the attitudes of automobile manufacturers and consumers toward improvements in automobile safety throughout the history of the automobile
• research from manufacturer's brochures, automotive and consumer's journals and the Internet to determine quality, safety, ergonomics, pricing, and overall value of automobiles and light trucks
• compare and contrast the changing attitudes of labor and management and the role of the United Auto Workers throughout the history of automobile production
• discuss the history of minorities and women as labor in automobile production
• compare the portrayal of women and minorities in marketing and commercials for automobiles throughout history
• describe the changes in automobile production and marketing and the impact on consumers and manufacturers as the industry moves toward a greater global enterprise
• compare and contrast styling and design changes of the automobile and their impact on consumers throughout automotive history
• compare and contrast the design, production, and marketing of Ford's Model T, the Volkswagen Beetle, the Austin Mini, and Chrysler minivans