Science, Technology, and Society
Head: Daniel Breslau
Alumni Distinguished Professor: G.L. Downey
Professor: B.L. Allen
Associate Professors: J.E. Abbate, D. Breslau, J. H. Collier, E. Crist Patzig, S.E. Halfon, S. Schmid, and M. Wisnioski
Assistant Professors: A.S. Heflin, R. Hester, and P.R. Olson
Emeritus Professor: R.M. Burian, E.R. Fuhrman, A.F. LaBerge, and D.T. Zallen
Director of Graduate Studies: S. E. Halfon
Undergraduate Coordinator: Carol Sue Slusser
Web: www.sts.vt.edu
Overview
The Department of Science, Technology, and 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 five minors.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Humanities, Science, and Environment Minor (HSE)
This minor provides an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues, integrating humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to understand the relationship between people and the natural world.
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.
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.
Contact Carol Sue Slusser in 121 Lane Hall or vie email at slusserc@vt.edu, for more information or to enroll in one of these minors.
Graduate Program in Science and Technology Studies
STS jointly administers the Science and Technology Studies Graduate Program with contributing faculty from 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 Course Descriptions (STS)
1504: INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
Examination of the interrelationship among science,
technology, and society. Study of how science, technology,
and medicine are defined and analyzed by the
humanities and social sciences. Examination of topics,
theories, and methods of the field of Science and Technology
Studies. Depiction of the dynamics of scientific and
technological controversies including the roles knowledge,
expertise, risk, rhetoric and public understanding play in
policy making.
(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)
2254: INNOVATION IN CONTEXT
Critical examination of diverse definitions and examples of
innovation. Discussion and analysis of innovaton in
different contexts, including innovation policy, social
innovation, and entrepreneurship. Introduction to methods
and ideas from the field of Science and Technology Studies.
Collaborative projects focused on creatively describing and
critiquing local cases of innovative work.
(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)
2444: GLOBAL SCI & TECH POLICY
Introduction to issues and themes in global science and
technology policy, from the perspective of Science and
Technology Studies (STS). Comparison of national and
international policy agents, institutions, structures, and
processes. Integration of key ideas from STS into policy
analysis, including regulatory cultures, cultural notions of
risk and expertise, large socio-technical systems, and
social shaping of technology. Emphasis on international
controversies, diverse cultural perspectives, and inclusion
in policy processes. Cases may include international
controversies over genetically modified foods, transmissible
illnesses, nuclear energy, and information security.
(3H,3C)
2454: SCIENCE, TECHOLOGY, AND ENVIRONMENT
Examines the nature and causes of global environmental
challenges. Focuses on the role of science and technology
in the causation of environmental problems and provision of
solutions. Investiages uneven impacts among different
groups and nations. Explores multicultural dimensions and
ethical debates in the relationship between humanity and
natural world. Considers visions of alternative futures.
(3H,3C)
2464 (RLCL 2464): RELIGION AND SCIENCE
Exploration of the relationships between religion and
science in the western tradition. 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,
the origins of the creationist movement, and contemporary
moral and ethical issues.
(3H,3C)
2604 (HIST 2604) (SOC 2604): INTRODUCTION TO DATA IN SOCIAL CONTEXT
Examines the use of data to identify, reveal, explain, and
interpret patterns of human behavior, identity, ethics,
diversity, and interactions. Explores the historical
trajectories of data to ask how societies have increasingly
identified numerical measures as meaningful categories of
knowledge, as well as the persistent challenges to
assumptions about the university of categories reducible
to numerical measures.
(3H,3C)
2715,2716: HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY
Development of technology and engineering in their social
and cultural contexts. Examines the interaction of people,
cultures, technologies, and institutions such as
governments, religious bodies, corporations, and citizens'
groups. 2715: Examines the creation and modification of
technologies to establish the basic structures of
civilization, from prehistory to the Industrial Revolution
(about 1800). 2716: Examines the nature of technological
change and consequences in society, from about 1800
to present.
(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
Explores 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)
3334: ENERGY AND SOCIETY
Examines the interconnections between energy use
and social life. Considers the ways that modern social
institutions, such as states, cities, and households are
shaped by energy systems, particularly the pervasive use of
fossil fuels. Explores the influence of energy extraction
and commerce on economic development and global
politics. Surveys major contemporary problems related to
energy, including climate change and natural resource
depletion. Develops an interdisciplinary framework, drawing
insights from history, sociology, and economics, for
evaluating policies to transition to a sustainable energy
system.
(3H,3C)
3504: THE PRACTICE OF COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IN STS
Reinforces concepts and perspectives in Science, Technology,
and Society through collaborative research projects.
Provides experience with major research techniques used in
STS, such as interviewing, ethnography, and documentary
research. Covers a range of presentation formats for
academic communication and public outreach. Research topics
involving contemporary problems related to science and
technology.
Pre: 1504, (2154 or 2444 or 2454 or 2254).
(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)
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 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
Examination of social and cultural issues that shape, and
are shaped by, the conduct of scientific, technological, and
medical research and activity. Topics such as human genetic
and technological enhancement; surveillance techologies and
civil rights; environmental intervention and preservation;
precautionary and proactionary approaches to public policy
making. Course repeatable up to 12 hours with different
topics. Junior Standing.
Pre: 1504.
(3H,3C)
4314 (ENGL 4314): NARRATIVE MEDICINE
Introduction to the field of narrative medicine, with
attention to narrative competencies, the use of narrative
medical education, and the function of narratives in the
experience of healing. Includes narrative approaches to
biomedical ethics.
Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H or COMM 1016.
(3H,3C)
4314H (ENGL 4314H): NARRATIVE MEDICINE
Introduction to the field of narrative medicine, with
attention to narrative competence, the use of narrative
in medical education, and the function of narratives in the
experience of healing. Includes narrative approaches to
biomedical ethics.
Pre: ENGL 3154 or ENGL 3324.
(3H,3C)
4334 (SOC 4334) (WGS 4334): SEXUAL MEDICINE
Discusses sex and medicine in contemporary U.S. society.
Explores how notions of sexual behavior and "normality" are
defined and structured by medical discourse. Examines
cultural institutions that play significant roles in
formulating ideas about and definitions of deviance,
perversity, and tolerated marginality. Critiques medical
responses to sexual variations. Examines experiences of
people who have sought out, or been the unwilling victims
of, sexual medicine. Junior standing required.
Pre: WGS 1824.
(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 WGS 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.