Columbia Students

Science, Technology, and Society

Description: W3010: “Science, Technology, and Society” is a 3000-level course that investigates the scientific and technical evolution and subsequent diffusion of contemporary technological innovations. Students learn how science and technology fit into the bigger picture; i.e. how technologies technically develop from concept to diffusion into society, how they work, and how they are bi-directionally related to social forces, cultural values, economic trends, environmental factors, and political influences.

The course is structured to capitalize on students coming from various disciplinary backgrounds/concentrations to collaborate in the study of selected technology. Therefore, only students who declared their concentration may register for this course. Upper division students bring knowledge and tools of their disciplines to the required team projects. Each team is required to select members from various departments and schools.

Community-Based Learning Project: An essential part of your coursework is participation in a community-based learning project, completed for real clients in the community. For 2008, students have focused on entrepreneurship projects related to the Ulysses S. Grant Houses, a New York City Housing Authority complex on West 125th Street. Projects and clients will be assigned in February, with deliverables due at the end of the semester.

Instructor: Jack McGourty

Next Offered: The course is offered in the spring semester.

Time: Wednesday, 4:10-6:30