What is Science, Technology, and Society (STSC)?
The modern world is built on a foundation of science and technology. How did this come to be and what does it mean for us? Students who major in Science, Technology and Society examine these questions by pursuing an interdisciplinary program of study. In addition to studying the history of science, technology, medicine and the environment, they also study natural and social sciences, fine arts, philosophy, literature and other humanities. Students may also minor in STSC. Students who major in STSC have the benefits of a personal major while enjoying all the resources of a large research university.
What can you "do" with an STSC major? What can't you do? Students who major in Science, Technology and Society (STSC) acquire a foundation for careers in knowledge-based occupations such as law, public policy, business, medicine, and journalism.
Recommended Courses for Exploring the STSC Major
The foundational courses of the major, STSC 001 (Emergence of Modern Science) and STSC 003 (Technology and Society) are excellent introductions to the major but it is not necessary to take these courses first. Freshmen are urged to consider one of several freshman seminars offered by the department. Other courses that are excellent ways to explore the ways of thinking represented by this major include STSC 160, The Information Age, STSC 110, Science and Literature, and STSC 212, Science, Technology and Warfare. Students may follow links to lists of all introductory courses and all courses and all categories of courses for the coming semester or by using the "Courses" link on this website.
Faculty Office Hours for Fall 2009
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STSC
What are the requirements for the STSC major?
STSC is a fourteen credit major. Students take two core courses, five in-major electives, six interdisciplinary courses in a field of concentration, and a research seminar.
STSC Fields of Concentration:
Animal Science and Medicine
Biology and Biomedical Science
Business and Information Technology
Energy, Environment and Technology
History and Sociology of Science
Policy Studies
Science and Society
To see major requirements click here.
How do I become a Science, Technology & Society (STSC) major?
Go to How to Become a STSC Major
What courses should I take if I want to explore whether STSC is a good major for me?
We suggest taking one of our freshman seminars or writing seminars, or taking STSC 001 (Emergence of Modern Science), STSC 003 (Technology and Society) or another introductory course.
What if I am not ready to declare a major but have questions about STSC?
Dr. Cowan, the program director (e-mail) or Dr. Greene, the undergraduate coordinator (e-mail) will be happy to meet with you. Or you can follow this link to contact a member of the STSC Undergraduate Advisory Board.
Can I double-major in STSC and something else?
Many STSC majors successfully double major. STSC works particularly well as a double major with the sciences, also with majors in history, environmental studies, information science, literature and the arts.
Courses may double count for two different majors, but the College requires that double majors complete a minimum of 18 courses between the two majors.
Can I minor in STSC?
Yes, there is a six-credit STSC minor.
What if I want to take courses for my concentration that are not on the list for that concentration?
Submit a Petitionto Dr. Greene or Dr. Cowan. The concentration templates are advisory rather than prescriptive, and many petitions are accepted.
Can I study abroad if I am an STSC major?
Yes! We encourage majors to take advantage of opportunities to study abroad. TWO courses may count toward your major, as concentration electives, from your study abroad. Be sure to discuss your plans with Dr. Cowan or Dr. Greene.
Do my pre-med courses count toward the STSC major?
Some pre-med courses may count toward a student's individual program.
What role does research play in the STSC major?
Research is an important part of the STSC program, and all STSC majors must fulfill the Capstone Research Requirement. Some may wish to continue for another semester to complete a senior thesis for honors. STSC majors are encouraged to explore other opportunities for research as well, such as internships and publication.
What is the Capstone Research Requirement?
This is a one-semester research requirement, fulfilled by taking any 400-level STSC or HSOC seminar, STSC/HSOC 420, or STSC 499, during the spring of junior year or fall of senior year.
I plan to do a research project by taking an internship. Can I get credit for this as part of my major?
Yes. You can do it as an independent study, or, if you do the project after the end of junior year, you may use the project to fulfill your Capstone research requirement.
Is there an honors program in the STSC major?
Yes. If you write a senior thesis, you can graduate with honors in the major. The senior thesis takes two semester, and is generally completed by taking STSC 420 in the spring of junior year and STSC 498 in the fall of senior year, in order to complete a scholarly paper 40-80 pages in length.
Where do I find advice and information on internships, summer jobs, and careers?
Follow the links for "Careers" and "Research and Internship Opportunities" on the Science, Technology and Society website. The STSC Undergraduate Advisory Board (follow the link) sponsors programs on careers and internships - check the "News and Events" page or contact members for more information.
SUBMATRICULATION
Submatriculation permits a student to earn a combined B.A.-M.A. in four years.
Submatriculation is part of the graduate program of the Department of History and Sociology of Science, the parent department of the Health and Societies major. A submatriculated student earns an M.A. in the History and Sociology of Science in combination with a B.A. in HSOC. To earn this combined degree in four years, undergraduates must complete ALL requirements for graduation from Penn with a B.A., and all requirements for submatriculation in the School of Arts and Sciences.
There is NO submatriculation in STSC--the submatriculation option is part of the graduate program of History and Sociology of Science,. However, since STSC was formerly the undergraduate major History and Sociology of Science, it is related to the HSSC graduate curriculum. There is no formal application process for submatriculation -it is more of an invitation on a case-by-case basis. A student that shows both the interest in and ability for graduate level work in the History and Sociology of Science begins having conversation with a relevant faculty member, usually during sophomore year and no later than the beginning of junior year. Through these conversations and through academic advising, athe process of submatriculation can begin. Admission for submatriculation requires unequivocal support from a faculty member with whom they have worked closely and an unequivocal vote of the full HSSC faculty.
Congratulations to our 2009 Science, Technology and Society graduates!
Majors
Tivan Amour
Melinda Angeles
Myles Blau
Malcolm Creighton-Smith
Omari Ramirez
Richard Rappo
David Reinecke
Daniel Ross
Maxim Westman
Minors
Lauren Mancuso
Philip Rocco
Ratavy Sun
Erica Tobin
Jennifer Trosko
Arthur Vierkant
