Technology Studies Concentration

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Chair(s):

Janet Davis

Faculty:

Douglas Caulkins
Michael Guenther
Sam Rebelsky
Susan Strauber
James Swartz
John Whittaker
Sujeev Wickramasekara

This concentration examines technology and the role it plays in society. Courses provide a bridge between humanities, science, and social studies by integrating material from all three divisions. The study of technology not only crosses the divide between pure and applied science, but also between scientific and social or humanist perspectives on the development and role of technology. Students are required to obtain a grounding in laboratory science and statistics, take at least one foundation course, at least two specific technology courses, participate in an internship in a technological setting, and complete an independent study project or technology seminar, normally during the senior year.

Required, 24 credits as follows:

1. Eight credits from courses in the departments of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, or psychology, creditable toward those majors.

SST 115 - Introduction to Statistics , or MAT 209 - Applied Statistics , may be used for 4 of the 8 credits. ENV 111 - Introductory Geology or ENV 125 - Introduction to Earth Systems Science with Lab may be used for 4 of the 8 credits.

2. 4 credits:

TEC 154 - Evolution of Technology 4 credits

3. At least two specific technology courses (8 credits)

Specific technology courses are often selected from the following. Upon approval by the concentration chair, other specific technology courses, such as special topics courses, can be used to meet this requirement.

ANT 252 - Culture and Agriculture 4 credits
ART 246 - Digital Media 4 credits , and other 200-level Art courses as approved
BIO 220 - Biotechnology and Its Social Impact
CSC 105 - The Digital Age 4 credits
CSC 232 - Human-Computer Interaction 4 credits
MUS 219 - Electronic Music 4 credits
PHY 180 - Bridges, Towers, and Skyscrapers 4 credits
PHY 220 - Electronics 4 credits
HUM 350 - Freedom and Authority: The Control of Reproduction 4 credits
SOC 265 - Sociology of Health and Illness 4 credits
SST 221 - Geographical Analysis and Cartography 4 credits
THE 115 - Theatrical Design and Technology 4 credits

4. A technology-related seminar or independent study project (4 credits)

The concentration also includes two noncredit-bearing requirements.

5. An internship in technology

The internship may be completed during the summer or academic year, either locally or at an approved off-campus program with internship and seminar components. The internship must be approved in advance by the concentration chair.

6. A public presentation

Students are expected to give a public presentation in a class or colloquium, drawing upon the internship experience and the seminar or independent study project.