Chair(s): 
Janet Davis

Faculty:

D. Douglas Caulkins
Michael Guenther
Samuel A. 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.

Concentration Requirements: 

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. Mathematics/ Social Studies 115 Introduction to Statistics, or Mathematics 209 Applied Statistics, may be used for 4 of the 8 credits. Environmental Studies 111 (Geology) or Environmental Studies 125 (Introduction to Earth Systems) may be used for 4 of the 8 credits.

  2. Technology 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.
    • Anthropology 252 Culture and Agriculture
    • Art 246 Digital Media; and other 200-level Art courses as approved
    • Biology 220 Biotechnology and Its Social Impact
    • Computer Science 105 The Digital Age
    • Computer Science 232 Human-Computer Interaction
    • Music 219 Electronic Music
    • Physics 180 Bridges, Towers, and Skyscrapers
    • Physics 220 Electronics
    • SCI/HUM/SST 350 Freedom and Authority: The Control of Reproduction
    • Social Studies 221 Geographical Analysis and Cartography
    • Sociology 265 Sociology of Health and Illness
    • Theatre 115 Introduction to Technical Theater

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

    5. 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.

Courses:

154 Evolution of Technology Spring
Credits: 4
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisite(s): None.

To make wise decisions about future technologies, we must understand the past and the present: what drives and influences technological change? How do technologies affect individuals and society? How do we make decisions about technology? Who decides? Although individual section offerings will consider different technologies and issues, all offerings will explore such questions through readings and case studies from a variety of disciplines, along with writing and discussion.

215 Solar Energy Technologies* Spring
Credits: 4+
Instructor(s): James Swartz
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 129 or Physics 131.

An investigation of the technology related to the utilization and storage of solar energy, including consideration of scientific, technical, economic, and social concerns. Study of the broad energy resource and use picture, including calculations, followed by an in-depth study of solar thermal conversion, photovoltaic devices, photochemical conversion, biomass, and wind power. Underlying principles and quantitative reasoning stressed.

* Indicates courses not offered every year.