Science, Technology and Society

More Information

Science, Technology, and Society in the Course Catalog

Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that studies the
conditions under which the production, distribution and utilization of scientific
knowledge and technological systems occur; the consequences of these activities
upon different groups of people. STS builds on the history and philosophy of
science and technology, sociology and anthropology, policy studies, and cultural
and literary studies; all of which shape the modes of analysis deployed in the field.
The intercollegiate program brings together courses taught in a variety of
departments, and is divided into three principal areas: history of science and
technology, philosophy of science and technology, and social science approaches
to technology and science. Courses explore the effects of science and technology
on society and culture; the politics of socio-technical systems; science policy in
national and international contexts; the social and environmental risks vs. benefits
of technological and scientific advancement and, more specifically, cover topics
such as the political economy of pollution, the culture of the scientific laboratory,
theories of race and genetic engineering, social networking and the Internet, the
body and politics of health.

Students majoring in STS are well prepared to pursue graduate study in related
field and also have a solid foundation for work as science journalists, policy
researchers and advisers, science educators, design and business consultants, and
advocates of change around issues such as gender and science, renewable energy
and the social effects of the information revolution. In addition, STS is an excellent
academic background for students intending to pursue careers in medicine, law,
business and education.
Pitzer advisers: G. Herrera, B. Keeley, J. Lorenat, D. Segal, S. Snowiss, A.
Wachtel; A. Wakefield.

Student Learning Outcomes

STS students will learn:

To understand knowledge-making practices within the disciplines of science, and

experience those practices directly through laboratory sciences, mathematics,
and/or engineering.

To examine science and technology as historical practices and as social

institutions, being able to explain the theories, concepts, and methods used in such
examination.

To explain in depth the way the social and cultural conditions of science and
technology interact with science and technology in a particular field.

To develop individual interests, through a thesis or research paper, that engage a

technological controversy, policy problem, or application; or seek comparable
intellectual depth in a cognate discipline such as philosophy, history or
anthropology.

To demonstrate the ability to weave the major’s different strands together in an

intellectually robust way, through a senior thesis, the senior integrative seminar, or
comparable capstone experience.

To be well prepared for graduate work and future careers in the health sciences,
science writing, design and engineering, public policy, environmental studies, law,
or academia.