Engineers and the Project of Development: A Historical Review of Critical Events and Concepts

This chapter begins with a reflection on the language and terms used within the project of development. It reminds students to be thoughtful and critical of terms and to always think about the influence our words can have on others. Next, the chapter traces episodes of the history of engineers’ involvement in development, from 18th century colonial development to today. As you travel through the chapter, take the time to pause and answer the critical questions and exercises posed along the way. These are intended to elicit reflection on how much the history of engineers’ involvement with development projects might continue to shape the ways in which you engage community development or humanitarian engineering today.