Science and Technology Studies
PROJECT COURSES
These courses provide project-oriented educational and research experiences. They are "hands-on" courses that give STS majors invaluable training with tangible results that will contribute to future pursuits, whether they be in higher academia or in employment.
LA 3014 - Directed Study
Purpose: To train students in research methods in Science and Technology Studies.
Requirements: A substantial research paper on a topic in STS and a proposal for continued research on the topic.
Typical Schedule:
Week 1: Faculty mentor distributes reading list of foundational material.
Weeks 2-5: Weekly meetings with mentor to discuss readings.
Week 6: Construction of a plan for conducting original research on topic.
Weeks 7-9: Implementation of this plan.
Week 10: Submission of research paper.
Weeks 11-13: Development of research proposal.
LA 4014 - Internship/Study Abroad
Purpose: To introduce students to Science and Technology Studies outside the university. Students may decide to engage in an Internship, or they may choose to participate in a study-abroad program.
Requirements: Three written reports and formal presentation.
A. Internship Option: Students design and implement a project that applies the methods studied in prior courses to the workplace. This Internship Project provides students with direct and primary observation of the interactions between science, technology and society.
Typical Schedule:
Week 1: Meeting with faculty mentor to construct STS framework for analysis of the internship experience.
Weeks 2-10: Progress meetings with mentor. Submission of three written reports employing framework.
Week 11: Formal presentation at STS colloquium.
B. Study Abroad Option: Students design and implement a project that applies the methods studied in prior courses to an STS analysis of the host country. This Study Abroad Project provides students with an international perspective on global issues involving science, technology and society.
Typical Schedule:
Prior Semester : Meeting with faculty mentor to construct STS framework for analysis of the host country.
Semester Abroad: Three written reports that employ this framework.
Subsequent Semester: Formal presentation at STS colloquium.
LA 4024: Capstone Project
Purpose: To support advanced students in substantial, original research in STS culminating in a written thesis that may be used as an academic or professional credential.
Requirements: Written thesis and formal presentation.
Typical Schedule:
1st Half of Semester: Progress meetings with faculty mentor.
2nd Half of Semester: Submission of thesis draft to mentor and external readers. Formal presentation of the thesis research. Submission of final thesis draft during finals week.
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Project Courses
