Leadership in Science, Technology and Society
One Section Available to Choose From:
| Course Dates | Weeks | Meeting Times | Status | Instructor(s) | CRN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 24, 2013 - July 05, 2013 | 2 | M-F 9A-4P | Waitlisted | Dolores Iorizzo | 10433 |
Course Description
Scientific discoveries and emerging technologies have had a major impact on our everyday lives in the 21st century. They offer powerful tools for exploring and understanding the natural world and the universe, preventing and curing diseases, monitoring the effects of climate change, and creating ingenious ways of communicating locally and globally. Yet, developments in science and technology also create the capacity for massive destruction through biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, global pollution, toxins in food, water, and air, as well as push traditional ethical boundaries in cloning and stem cell research.
To what extent should ethical considerations be part of the development of science and technology? What is the role of the scientist in creating positive change in the world? How does a socially-conscious scientist investigate questions with scientific "objectivity" while at the same time pursue a passion to address contemporary problems in a meaningful way? What type of leadership do we need in the scientific community that will reflect the interests of all human beings globally?
Students in this course respond to these questions by engaging with leading researchers and practitioners from Brown and the greater academic community, and by exploring a wide range of controversial Science, Technology and Society (STS) issues in the contemporary world including: climate change, weapons of mass destruction; stem cell research; designer babies; genetic modification of plants, animals and humans; and ethical STS policies for governments and institutions.
Students are encouraged to become involved with science and technology outreach programs sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), The National Science Foundation (NSF), The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), The Royal Society (RS) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Engagement with these organizations will allow students to develop local Action Plans that reflect larger national and international concerns. Students will gain experience in a number of disciplines including the sciences, history, sociology, philosophy and medicine.