Science and Technology Studies (STS)

Science and Technology Studies is an interdisciplinary field developed to examine the intersection of social, political, and cultural values and scientific research and technological innovation, as well as how research and innovation have in turn shaped society, politics, and culture.

 

 

Experts familiar with these interactions will be prepared to lead the field in developing solutions to pressing issues of the 21st century:  global climate change, economic stability, clean energy, the safe and effective artificial intelligence, the alleviation of poverty and disease.

 

The STS program at Stevens Institute of Technology currently offers two majors:

B.A. in Science Communication 

The B.A. in Science Communication from Stevens Institute of Technology teaches students to convey information about science, technology, and medicine to experts and non-experts in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society

Students studying Science, Technology, and Society at Stevens Institute of Technology investigate two fundamental questions: How do social forces shape scientific research and technological innovation?  How do science and technology, in turn, shape human societies and cultures?

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Faculty Spotlight

Lee Vinsel

Assistant Professor, Science and Technology Studies

 

What are your research areas of interest?  

I am primarily interested in how societies control technological risks. The book I'm writing uses the history of the automobile in the United States to explore this theme. I'm interested in how people's definitions of risks and ideas about how to reduce hazards change over time. I am also fascinated by the history of Stevens as a window onto the history of science and technology. The Stevens family and this school have completely captivating histories.

What are some of the courses you are currently teaching?

I am currently teaching CAL 105, a core course in the Freshman Experience, and HSS 371 Computers & Society. In the spring I will be teaching our new Intro to STS class, which will be a blast, as well as a course on the history of the automobile in the United States, from the beginning of the auto industry in 1893 to the future of self-driving cars. The other day in CAL 105, we were discussing Plato, and one of my students said, "I've always thought about these things but never realized there was somewhere to talk about them with others." How cool is that?  

What can students expect when they take a class with you?

Teachers play important roles in our lives, but I believe that each person ultimately has to teach him or herself. Students have to learn some essential facts, so I do lecture, but they will spend most of their time in class actively applying new concepts to materials from the world (like historical documents and news articles). I like to envision the classroom as a laboratory--or workshop--of ideas. 

What do you like to do when you're not teaching?

I spend a lot of time reading outside of work, including philosophy and science fiction. I have a substantial collection of sci-fi books from the 1950s-1970s. I also enjoy listening to indie rock and writing and playing my own songs on guitar, accordion, synthesizers, and drum machines. (You will see me taking courses in our Music and Technology program; this semester with Professor Harari.) Finally, I like watching birds and, occasionally, the television (Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men, Dr. Who, etc.). Keep your eye out for the STS Film Series, which will feature sci-fi, zombie, and anime flicks as well as classics like Dr. Strangelove!