Introduction to Cultures of Science and Technology
GEL Culture and Ideas; GEL Diversity: Global Studies
GEN Historical and Cultural Studies
GEN Race, Ethnicity and Gender Diversity (new for spring 2024!)
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:10-12:30pm
Hayes Hall 005
Liliana Gil
This course offers an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS).
STS examines how science and technology are shaped by and shape culture and society. How do we know what we know? What do we mean when we talk about things like scientific knowledge and methods? How do historical and social contexts shape technological production, and how does technology in turn shape our world, experiences, and relationships? As we address these questions, we will familiarize ourselves with critical thought about science and technology, including key historical, sociological, and anthropological theories. Together, we will sharpen our analytical skills by discussing a broad range of historical and contemporary examples in which scientific knowledge and technological capacity are entwined with power relations of race, gender, global capitalism, and politics.
