College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Science and Technology in Society

Overview

The Department of Science and Technology in Society (STS) offers interdisciplinary work at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that contributes to our understanding of the relations among science, technology, and society. At the undergraduate level, it offers one major and five minors or programs of study. Specific information about the major or minors can be found at www.sts.vt.edu.

Humanities, Science, and Environment Major and Minor (HSE)

The degree program in Humanities, Science, and Environment (HSE) provides an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues, integrating humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to understand the relationship between people and the natural world. HSE also offers a 27 semester hour minor. For more information or a checksheet, please contact Prof. Eileen Crist.

General Information:

Other departmental minors require 18-21 semester hours, 9 of which must be at the 3000 and 4000 levels.

The two main themes in STS courses are: (a) the human and social dimensions of science and technology; and (b) the historical, societal, and value issues pertaining to the biological sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and technology. Most STS courses qualify for credit in Area 2 of Liberal Education; a few are in Area 3 or Area 7. The 1000-level course examines how contemporary values influence developments in science and technology and, in turn, how science and technology help shape our values and influence the society in which we live. Courses at the 2000 level survey issues pertaining to a particular area of the sciences or engineering. Courses at the 3000 level focus on conceptual issues, examining formative ideas and cultural traditions, identifying the historical trajectories that brought these into existence, and enabling students to imagine and critically assess alternative futures. Finally, courses at the 4000 level explore the value dimensions of a specific topic, such as environmental science, health care, science and pseudo-science, and computerization.

Humanities, Science, and Technology Minor (HST)

This minor may be designed to emphasize combinations of moral, aesthetic, intellectual, political, historical, philosophical, and sociological dimensions of science, technology, and medicine, through case studies and in-depth analysis. Students work with the undergraduate coordinator in STS to design a coherent program.

Science and Technology Concentration (ST)

This individualized concentration requires in-depth study and practice of theories and methods of science and technology. Students choose a concentration in one science or technology program; coupled with 9 credit hours of STS courses; the student’s program of study must be approved by the STS undergraduate coordinator. In some fields, more than 18 credit hours may be required to complete the concentration.

Medicine and Society Minor (MSOC)

The Medicine and Society minor focuses on the humanistic aspects of medical practice, pressing bioethical questions, and the subjective experience of illness and health. The MSOC minor provides an essential education for anyone curious about the role of medicine in past eras and contemporary culture, and it provides an excellent background for those considering a career in medicine or other health care professions. The minor requires 21 credit hours with at least 14 hours at the 3000 or 4000 level. Enrollment is handled through the Department of Science and Technology in Society; see Carol Sue Slusser in 121 Lane Hall to enroll.

Faculty advisors as well as other program information are available on the MSOC Scholar site. Log in to Scholar and go to MY WORKSPACE. Click on MEMBERSHIP, and then click on JOINABLE SITES. Scroll through until MEDICINE AND SOCIETY appears. Students have to join the site as a guest in order to see the pages. Once enrolled, students will be added as participants.

Gender, Science, and Technology Minor (GST)

Co-developed by Women's Studies and STS, this minor offers the opportunity for students to cultivate an understanding of the complex ways in which gender is defined in relation to science and technology, and science and technology are defined in relation to gender. The minor coordinator is the Director of the Women's Studies Program.

Graduate Program

STS jointly administers the Science and Technology Studies Graduate Program with the departments of History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology. The program offers the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at both the Blacksburg and National Capital Region campuses. (See the Graduate Catalog for further information.)

Undergraduate Courses Descriptions (STS)

1504: HUMANITIES, SCIENCE, AND ENVIRONMENT
Examines the nature and causes of environmental challenges.  Focuses especially on the role of science and technology in the causation of environmental problems and provision of solutions.  Investigates ethical debates and religious perspectives in the relationship between humanity and natural world.  Explores visions of alternative futures. (3H,3C)

2054 (HIST 2054): ENGINEERING CULTURES
Development of engineering and its cultural roles in historical and cross-national perspectives.  Explores roles of engineers and engineering in popular life, development of national styles, changing values in engineering problem solving, and effects of evolving forms of capitalism. (3H,3C)

2154: HUMANITIES, TECHNOLOGY, AND THE LIFE SCIENCES
Examines the value-laden issues surrounding the professional dimensions of research in the biological and life sciences and provides humanistic perspectives on the role and function of science in society. (3H,3C)

2354: HUMANITIES, TECHNOLOGY, AND THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Examines the value-laden issues surrounding the professional dimensions of research in the physical sciences and technology, and provides humanistic perspectives on the role and function of science in society. (3H,3C)

2464 (AAEC 2464) (REL 2464): RELIGION AND SCIENCE
Exploration of the relationships between religion and science in the western tradition. Topics include: basic frameworks for relationships between religion and science in historical and cultural context; types of human knowledge and truth; similarities and differences between science and religion; evolution; ecology; and contemporary issues.
(3H,3C)

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3105,3106: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN MODERN SOCIETY
Examination of science and technology as social and cultural activities in the modern world. 3105: institutions and values in science and technology; 3106: value conflicts and decision making in science and technology. (3H,3C)

3314: MEDICAL DILEMMAS AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE
This course will explore medical dilemmas from a humanistic perspective, including topics related to assisted reproduction, genetic testing and treatment, organ transplantation, clinical trials, end-of-life interventions, and decisions regarding allocation of health-care resources. (3H,3C)

3324 (WGS 3324): PERSPECTIVES ON THE BIOLOGY OF WOMEN
Examines historical, social, and cultural views of women's biology and how those views have impacted women's physical and mental health. Special attention is paid to the influence of cultural traditions and beliefs on scientific perspectives. Pre: WS 1824. (3H,3C)

3705,3706 (HIST 3705, 3706): HISTORY OF SCIENCE
Conceptual and institutional development of physical and biological sciences viewed within a cultural and societal context. 3705: Early Science; 3706: Modern Science (3H,3C)

3715,3716 (HIST 3715, 3716): HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY
Description of the development of technology and engineering in their social contexts. 3715: from prehistory to the industrial revolution in Europe and the United States, mid-19 century; 3716:  from mid-19th century to the present. (3H,3C)

3734 (HIST 3734): HISTORY OF MODERN BIOLOGY
This course explores the development of biology from the Enlightenment to the end of the twentieth century, with a particular emphasis on biology's impact on society. (3H,3C)

3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4304: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN HUMANITIES, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY
Contemporary humanistic issues, such as human freedom and the quality of life, emerging from scientific and technological research in the areas of genetic and reproductive interventions, biotechnology, and environmental studies. Junior standing is required. (3H,3C)

4704 (WGS 4704): GENDER AND SCIENCE
Investigates the gender dimensions of science in both historical and contemporary perspectives. Discusses feminist studies of science, exploring strengths and limitations. Assess implications of cultural assumptions about gender for practicing scientists. A 3000 level course in science or engineering may satisfy the prerequisite. Pre: 1504 or WS 2244. (3H,3C)

4754: INTERNSHIP
Variable credit course.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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