A Frankenstein-inspired Engineering Design Project

Abstract

, where he focused on modeling of cyclic loading for batteries in a particular microrobotic application. Dr. Teichert is an assistant professor in Trine University's, Wade department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, where he teaches dynamics, mechanics of machinery, as well as introductory first-year courses.

Rogue Engineering: Teaching Frankenstein as a Parable of (Un)ethical Engineering Practice

“…Likewise, recent scholarship draws attention to Frankenstein's role in engendering critical reflection among scientists about social and ethical aspects of their work [2]. Despite, however, the novel's potential to speak to ethical dimensions of scientific and engineering practice, some instructors have encountered difficulties successfully integrating Frankenstein into an undergraduate engineering curriculum; and students have struggled to appreciate the novel's value to their professional development as engineers [3].…”

“…Nevertheless, the novel's capacity to address ethical aspects of engineering practice, both historical and contemporary, calls for further attempts at integrating it into engineering education. The archetypal figure of Victor Frankenstein presents students with a negative role model or possible self that can deter them from developing unethical professional identities and practices [3], [4]. As Victor himself urges in an aside to his audience, "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and .…”

“…Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has also been used recently in the engineering classroom to help students forge interdisciplinary connections between engineering practice and fields in the humanities, such as ethics. Capitalizing on the bicentennial of Shelley's novel, James Canino and Kendall Teichert, engineering professors at Triune University, developed an introductory mechanical engineering design course that attempted to integrate themes from Frankenstein into robot design projects [3]. The principle aim of the course was to provide a vehicle for students "to experiment with connecting engineering and the humanities" [3].…”

“…Capitalizing on the bicentennial of Shelley's novel, James Canino and Kendall Teichert, engineering professors at Triune University, developed an introductory mechanical engineering design course that attempted to integrate themes from Frankenstein into robot design projects [3]. The principle aim of the course was to provide a vehicle for students "to experiment with connecting engineering and the humanities" [3]. To facilitate this connection, students were tasked to develop designs for robots that related to themes in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.…”

“…In their reflections, students included a sketch of the concept design along with an explanation of its connection to a particular theme in the novel. After analyzing the students' reflections and the robots they designed, the authors conclude that most student projects only engaged with the novel's themes in "superficial" ways that "lacked depth" [3]. For example, one project featured a robotic snowplow inspired by the kinds of chores the creature performs for the De Lacy family [3].…”