AUTO 310 - The Global Development and Advancement of the Automobile

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the program advisor
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical study of the development of the automobile from its beginnings to the present day. The course is a practical study of the invention of the first suitable power source to be adopted to self-propel a road vehicle and how it resulted in a major paradigm shift that revolutionized transportation and mobility. Topics include the development of animal-drawn transportation devices and the quest for a prime mover, the pioneering era of the automobile and how it led to being an industrial product, mass production of the automobile and how it became a consumer product, and new and emerging technologies that support the automobile and motorized traffic and transportation systems. Emphasis is placed upon the global perspective—particularly the developments that occurred in the United States, Europe, and Asia—and the numerous technological and business revolutions of the first and second half of the 20th century. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.