General Information

The goal of this concentration is to prepare students to use emerging technologies humanely and critically; to participate thoughtfully in public discourse about new scientific and technological innovation; and to understand the consequences of public and private decisions about scientific advancements and technologies. The concentration is designed to allow students to gain experience in analyzing historical, philosophical, rhetorical, economic, political, aesthetic, and scientific practices and methods of inquiry. Students have the opportunity to explore the social impacts of rapid scientific and technological change. The program integrates approaches from the liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities with new developments in science and technology. The STS concentration focuses on several key areas, including nanotechnology, gaming, collaborative work and work-life, education, health care, and computer-mediated communication.

The program of study is designed to complement the major by helping the student to gain a richer and more profound understanding of the dynamic relationships among science, technology, culture, and the individual. The concentration is open to liberal arts majors and, with the approval of their deans, to students in other colleges and schools.