STS.004 Intersections: Science, Technology, and the World

Fall 2016: Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00am-12:30pm
HASS-H
Prereq: None
3-0-9 units
Instructor: Professor Rosalind Williams

STS.004 “Intersections: Science, Technology, and the World” uses a cluster of case studies to illustrate the basic principles and approaches of multidisciplinary studies in science, technology, and society. In fall 2016 the class will be organized around three case studies, which will focus on:

  • The current MIT campaign, and especially the campaign theme: MIT’s purpose is using knowledge to address the major challenges of humankind;
  • the continuing role of geographical/physical place in an increasingly digitized world; and
  • the sense of an ending; where is “progress” headed?

STS.004 maintains its founding philosophy of having students actively seek out their own topics for each of these case studies. In other words, these case studies are mini-research projects, which you define.

For the first case study, you will explore MIT to find a research group or some other unit working on a problem that illustrates the kinds of “intersections” that might address a major challenge of humankind. Similarly, you will be asked to explore the Boston-Cambridge area to find a place that presents some form of aesthetic, historical, or political power or meaning. For the third case study, you will find an example (or examples) of a vision of the future the combines technological and social change.

In all cases you will report on your findings in written work, enhanced by other media as appropriate for the topic. You will also present oral reports to the class. While this is not officially a CI-H class, writing and other forms of communication are taken seriously. Be prepared to revise written work if necessary.

In class you will be introduced to basic concepts of STS through reading, discussion, and occasional guests. We will use field trips and visual media as far as these are practical.

This class is designed for active learning. It is demanding but fun. For more information, consult the instructor, or an earlier version of this class that is posted on OpenCourseWare.