STV 210The Computing Society
- Units
- 0.50
- Cross-listed
- HIST 212
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. 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 | 7876 | 0 / 80 | Th 18:30–21:20 |
| LEC 701 | 8300 | 29 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
54% liked it71% easy38% useful
From 24 ratings and 6 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Every wednesday, I fight another battle.. 3 hours feel like an eternity. I thought computer history would be something I was interested in but damn this course was boring. Mandatory attendance (each class worth around 3.7% of your grade) makes it painful to sit through the boring lecture.
Nov 2025 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
I love history courses. Unfortunately, the content of this course becomes less interesting at about the time that it covers airplane flight databases and credit cards. Also, much of the same information can be obtained just by reading the book, but the professor did add a lot to our knowledge in lecture discussion.
May 2022 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
P A I N. From the 3h lectures to the weekly readings (~20 pages with a quiz with trick questions), to the assessments, the content was not particularly interesting even if I generally enjoy learning about history and computers. Prof Campbell is not bad, but most of the lectures are just group work that are graded really harshly. THIS IS NOT A BIRD COURSE. I thought I would have fun debates but most of the time if your ideas are not in line with course material you will likely be dismissed.
Nov 2025 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Unfortunatly attendance is mandatory due to class activities being 40% of grade. Boring course
Nov 2024 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Neutral feelings about this one. Liked that there were no finals or midterms. Just had 2 assignments and weekly readings and online open book quizzes. Readings took about 1.5 hrs max. Lectures were boring and only went for the in class assignment/questions. Mark booster overall if you do the readings beforehand.
May 2022 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
7 posts and comments in 7 threads mention STV 210, July 2015 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
MSE442 vs. STV208 1 point, 1 comment
“I'm considering taking either MSE442 or STV208 next term. Has anyone taken these before and have any recommendations?”
u/Ok-Conclusion-5481: “… I was previously enrolled in the course and enjoyed the delivery - content-wise it's similar to CS 492 but also online so it's very flexible Based on STV 210 (maybe a fallacy), I believe STV courses are generally more work. …”
Fall 2023
HELP WHAT ELECTIVE DO I TAKE FOR MY 1B TERM FOR MECH ENG 1 point, 20 comments
“I have to pick an elective by literally tomorrow and I don’t have any idea what to take. i was gonna take business cause it seems easy but it’s online so idk. …”
u/epicboy75: “I took STV 210, was ez pz”
Spring 2023
It's time for an update: what's the easiest LIST A CSE for engineering? 5 points, 4 comments
“The last time this was asked on this subreddit was many years ago, and since then many of the CSEs have changed, so I think it's time for an update. …”
u/epicboy75: “I took STV 210 in W21, it was ok with Campbell. 2-3 essays but I slept through the class and still got a high 80.”
Spring 2021
mirror mirror on the wall, who's the birdiest of them all? [serious, please help] 55 points, 21 comments
u/korak1: “Not STV210.”
Winter 2019
List A CSE for engineering? 6 points, 3 comments
“Any suggestions for elective courses that fall under the list A category? Preferably a course that you found really easy and/or interesting :) UW Flow and previous Reddit posts only give me so much...”
u/Beautiful_Psychology: “PLEASE DO NOT TAKE STV 205. You can go for STV 202/210”
Fall 2017
Stv 210? 1 point, 0 comments
u/Ilovesteelbeams: “Had a conflict with my other cse and I'm looking for an easy but interesting list a elective. Is stv 210 any good? Any other recommendations?”
Spring 2015
CSEs STV 202, 205 or 210 3 points, 5 comments
u/jonathanmajh: “As the title says I would like some advise to help me pick, preferably from past students who have already taken one of the courses, although anyone is welcome to discuss. And no I'm not going to consider STV100. Thanks. And for context, I'm a Mech Eng student”
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