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Colby College 2012-2013 Course Catalogue
Catalogue ArchivesCourses of Study
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETYScience, Technology, and Society (STS) is an exciting interdisciplinary field of study grounded in the history, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology of science and technology. It examines deep cultural roots of our technoscientific society and addresses pressing public policy issues. It constitutes a fundamental aspect of a liberal arts education and is excellent preparation for graduate study or future employment opportunities. Science and technology have become increasingly important components of our world, changing the ways we live, work, and think. The well-being of individuals, nations, and ultimately our Earth depends in part on technoscientific developments that are part of the process shaping both the social fabric and the natural environment, both in America and globally. Following an introductory core course, students in the STS Program choose from a variety of electives and complete a year-long senior research project. By doing so they gain an understanding of the historical and social dimensions of science and technology, become better-informed citizens of our high-tech society, and hone critical and valuable interdisciplinary skills involving writing, speaking, and creative thinking. Students pursuing a major or minor in STS require no special technical expertise. REQUIREMENTS +Requirements for the Major in Science, Technology, and SocietyThe STS major has a core curriculum based on the research and teaching interests of the faculty. All courses are either U.S. or internationally focused and either science or technology focused. Majors must take three required courses and choose a minimum of eight electives from the list of STS-approved courses below. Courses taken abroad or otherwise not on this list require the approval of the STS Program director.
Electives are chosen from the list of STS approved courses to fulfill the I, U, S, and T foci, but a course that satisfies two or more foci may not be counted twice. In choosing the eight electives, students must take a minimum of three courses designated or cross-listed as ST. A student may not count more than two 100-level electives toward the major. Senior ProjectsAll senior STS majors will take ST 485, which will prepare them for research through seminar readings, literature reviews, and proposal writing. This is the first part of a yearlong capstone experience in which students design and complete a final integrative project in science, technology, and society. This is followed by ST 486, an intensive research and writing experience with final public presentations. Any member of the faculty may serve as an advisor for STS senior projects. Honors in Science, Technology, and SocietyStudents with a 3.5 GPA in the major (and at least 3.25 GPA overall) may request permission to undertake an honors thesis. They will enroll in ST 483 and meet with other STS seniors to prepare a literature review and proposal, which must be approved by a panel of faculty members. Students continuing in the honors program will enroll in ST 484 under the supervision of an advisor and second reader. Upon successful completion of the thesis and fulfillment of all requirements for the major, and, if a 3.5 GPA in the major is maintained, the student will be invited to deposit a copy of his or her thesis in Miller Library and will graduate “With Honors in Science, Technology, and Society.” Requirements for the Minor in Science, Technology, and SocietyScience, Technology, and Society 112, 485, 486, two other STS courses, and at least two courses from the list of STS approved courses. OTHER APPLICABLE COURSES +List of STS Approved Courses* Key: International = I; U.S. = U; Science = S; Technology = TAnthropology Colby College reserves the right in its sole judgement to make changes of any nature in its program, calendar, academic schedule, fees, deposits, or any other matters in this catalogue. |
