Essay Questions on Heitmann and Morales, Stealing Cars: Technology and Society from the Model T to Gran Torino

Hi folks --- I always learn far more about my own work from teaching undergraduate students using my materials. Below are two essay questions that will be sued on the second hour exam in HST 344, summer, 2014.

HST 344

Test 2 Essay Question, on Heitmann and Morales, Stealing Cars: Technology and Society from the Model T to Gran Torino.

Answer ONE of the following:

1.      Briefly discuss the evolution of anti-theft deterrents (the technology employed) from the earliest days of the automobile to the present and some of the ways in which thieves overcame these measures. In sum, are people just too smart to ever be fully deterred from committing this crime, if motivated?

2.      The power of the automobile in historical work is in its linking value to life far beyond it as a chunk of metal. In what ways does the topic of car theft reflect American society? Make sure to discuss joyriders, professionals, and the problem with the border to Mexico. Being as specific as you can, why did people steal cars?