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 transforming both the social fabric and the natural environment.

By choosing from a variety of electives, students in the Science, Technology, and Society Program are introduced to critical and interdisciplinary perspectives on the interactions of science, technology, and society. Students gain an understanding of the historical and social dimensions of science and technology; they also become better-informed citizens of our high-tech society.

Science, Technology, and Society is the "minor for all majors"--no special technical expertise is required. Students may also propose an independent major in science, technology, and society.

Requirements for the Minor in Science, Technology, and Society
Seven courses--a minimum of 22 credits--are required for the minor. No more than one independent study or field experience may be included as an elective, and it must be taken for at least three credit hours. Students may petition to include elective courses not listed below. Students with advanced standing may substitute a Science, Technology, and Society elective for ST 112. In ST 485 and ST 486, seniors complete a year-long research project of their own design.

Required Science, Technology, and Society courses
112 Science, Technology, and Society
485 The Craft of Research I
486 The Craft of Research II

Science, Technology, and Society electives (choose at least two)
212 Native Natural Knowledge
215 Atmospheric Science
250 Industry, Technology, and Society, 1750-1900
251 Industry, Technology, and Society in the 20th Century
271 History of Science in America
281 History of Global Environmental Change
393 Technology, War, and Society

Additional electives (choose up to two)
Administrative Science
371 Organizational Computing

American Studies
213 Medicine in 19th- and 20th-Century America: Women As Pioneer Healers

Anthropology
252 Hunger, Poverty, and Population: The Anthropology of Development
256 Land, Food, Culture, and Power

Biology
115 Biology of Women
133 Microorganisms and Society
271 Introduction to Ecology
493 Problems in Environmental Science

Chemistry
112 Chemistry for Citizens
118 Chemistry of Life
217 Environmental Chemistry

Computer Science
113 Great Ideas in Computer Science
232 Computer Organization
353 Artificial Intelligence

Economics
231 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
493 Senior Seminar (when appropriate)

Environmental Studies
118 Environment and Society

Geology
131 Introduction to Environmental Geology
171 Oceanography
177 Wetlands and Wetland Science
494 Environmental Geology

Government
235 Sustainable Development

History
295 Internship in History (where appropriate)
481 Ecological Change in World History

Mathematics
376 History of Mathematics

Music
213 Introduction to Computer Music

Philosophy
317 Philosophy of Science

Physics
111 From Galileo to Einstein
113 The Elements
114 The Physics of Everything
115 The Shadow of the Bomb
254 Essential Electronics

Psychology
233 Physiological Psychology
374 Human Neuropsychology
477 History and Systems of Psychology

Sociology
256 Health and Illness

Science, Technology, and Society
129 Sailing
219 The American Home

Course Offerings

112s Science, Technology, and Society Critical perspectives on the social aspects of science and technology in our lives, in the world around us, and throughout history. Issues include gender, communications, war, and the environment. Four credit hours. S. MR. REICH

[115] The Shadow of the Bomb Listed as Physics 115 (q.v.). Four credit hours. N.

118s Environment and Society Listed as Environmental Studies 118 (q.v.). Four credit hours. FACULTY

[129] Sailing Explores the many aspects of sailing as a human experience: sailing as history, science, engineering, technique, competition, exploration, philosophy, psychology, business, craft, and song. Readings, lectures, videos, outside speakers, visits to a sailmaker and boatbuilder. Three credit hours.

[212] Native Natural Knowledge An introduction to systems of natural knowledge in the non-Western world. The focus is on living traditions in Africa, Australia, China, Japan, and native North and South America. Emphasis is on diversity with a view to articulating both a personal philosophy and a global environmental synthesis. Enrollment limited. Four credit hours. H, D.

[215] Atmospheric Science A comprehensive introduction to the Earth's atmosphere; origin, composition, structure, general circulation, weather systems, air pollution, ozone depletion, climate change, and social aspects. Four credit hours. N.

250f Industry, Technology, and Society, 1750-1915 An examination of the processes by which rapid technological developments took place in America, including the stimuli and constraints on inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and corporations; attempts by government to control technology; and the impact that evolving technology and industry had on social values. Also listed as Administrative Science 250. Three or four credit hours. H. MR. REICH

251s Industry, Technology, and Society in the 20th Century An examination of developments in American technology and industry during the course of this century. Major topics include the rise of the auto, electrical, computer, and communications industries; the importance of research, development, and marketing to the growth and diversification of the economy; environmental and agricultural issues; and atomic energy. Also listed as Administrative Science 251. Three or four credit hours. H. MR. REICH

[271] History of Science in America A survey of the social, political, and institutional development of science in America from colonial times to the present. Topics include: scientists' roles in government, education, and industry; science in war; science, technology, and social issues; the evolution of environmental thought; and the emergence of America as a leading scientific nation. Three or four credit hours. H.

[281] History of Global Environmental Change A seminar examining historical issues in the earth and environmental sciences from antiquity to the present. Examination of social and scientific responses to past environmental changes and discussion of current global change science and policy. Emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches in defense of the environment. Enrollment limited. Four credit hours. H.

[393] Technology, War, and Society A seminar on the role of technology in warfare and the military's broader influence on society from antiquity to the end of the Cold War. Topics include causes of war, military research and development, the rise of the national security state, high-tech warfare, and the future of war. Enrollment limited. Four credit hours. H.

485f The Craft of Research I Readings and seminar discussions to prepare students for independent research. Students will identify a research topic, conduct a literature review, and write a formal proposal for a final integrative project. Formerly offered as Science, Technology, and Society 483. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Three credit hours. MR. REICH

486s The Craft of Research II The second part of a year-long capstone research experience. Students complete a final integrative project and present a public seminar. Formerly offered as Science, Technology, and Society 484. Prerequisite: Science, Technology, and Society 485. Three credit hours. MR. REICH

491f, 492s Independent Study Independent study in areas in which the student has demonstrated the interest and competence necessary for independent work. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and the program director. One to four credit hours. FACULTY