Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society

Every day, we interact with technologies that reshape our laws, behaviors, and social structures. To navigate this landscape, we must understand the deep, reciprocal relationship between scientific progress and human values. This course provides a foundational framework to analyze how science and technology influence society, and how society, in turn, shapes technological development. You will learn to critically evaluate historical events, ethical dilemmas, and modern digital challenges. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational concepts of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) as an academic discipline. - Analyze historical and contemporary case studies of technological disruption and societal response. - Examine the ethical implications of the digital age, including information access, algorithmic bias, and privacy. - Explore how utopian and dystopian narratives shape public perception and policy around new technologies. - Evaluate the relationship between political power, social justice, and scientific authority. The course begins with core definitions and historical frameworks before moving into modern challenges like digital surveillance, intellectual property, and AI ethics. Through structured readings and analytical exercises, you will develop a critical lens for evaluating the tech-driven world. This course is designed for beginners, requiring no prior background in sociology or computer science—just a curiosity about how technology impacts our daily lives. Start reading today to build a deeper, more critical understanding of the forces shaping our collective future.