HIST 212The Computing Society
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 1 lecture section. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
This course examines the historical and current relationships between computer technology and society. It explores the impact and consequences of computing from a societal perspective, but also considers various nontechnical factors and values that have shaped computing technology and practice. The scope of the course will range from early mechanical aids, through the mid 20th century invention of electronic digital computers, to the networks and mobile applications of the 21st century. Technological studies relating to gender, education, employment, and war will be used as focal points. Material artifacts will form a core element of the course.
Prerequisites
None listed.
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
No course lists it as a requisite.
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 8511 | 0 / 10 | Th 18:30–21:20 |
Reviewed on UW Flow
50% liked it63% easy13% useful
From 6 ratings and 3 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
The content is really easy but the grading is somewhat strict. 35% of grade was in class participation based on readings. This is a class that you could easily get a 90 in with some time spent on assignments.
Jun 2025 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
If you are a history student taking this course beware it is aimed at STEM majors with zero historical education. Still found the content interesting. the assessments felt easy and vague but TA is a harsh marker and makes harsh comments.
Apr 2022 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
The final might bight you even if the midterm goes well. Be ready.
Jul 2016 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
3 posts and comments in 3 threads mention HIST 212, September 2016 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2024
Policy 71 - need advice please 4 points, 3 comments
u/Sea-Serve-2436: “STV/HIST 210?”
u/CampusLifeHub: “You mean hist 212?”
Fall 2021
I am a math student heading into 1B, any suggestions for elective courses that are interesting/useful? 3 points, 10 comments
“I am currently in 1A. For reference my current courses are: Math 135 Math 137 Engl 109 Phys 121 Cs 135 Courses that I plan on taking in 1B are: Math 136 Math 138 Engl 119 (communications in Math and …”
u/bradFCB: “HIST 212 and 216. Wished I’ve taken them in 1B”
Fall 2016
Good History Classes 3 points, 12 comments
u/phyzled: “… Moving onto specific courses, has anyone taken HIST 110/111 (History of the Western World), HIST 113 (Canadian Business History), HIST 212 (The Computing Society), HIST 220 (The Vietnam War), HIST 257, HIST 258, or HIST 268? …”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them