Welcome to the Department of History and Sociology of Science (HSS), with fifty-plus years history of accomplishment at the University of Pennsylvania. Our faculty uses the tools of the humanities and social sciences to study science, technology, medicine, and the environment.
Through a broad range of scholarly projects, faculty research examines relations between the technical practices of scientists, engineers, medical researchers, and clinicians, and the material, social, political, and cultural contexts in which those practices occur. Our long-running Monday Workshop provides a forum for the newest work of scholars in our disciplines. Interdisciplinary study, faculty-student interaction, and individual mentoring characterize both the graduate and undergraduate programs.
Our graduate program thrives due to current graduate students and also a distinguished group of alumni who are leading scholars and professionals. Recent graduates enjoy success in the job market. The Department's interdisciplinary commitment continues through two undergraduate majors: Science, Technology and Society (STSC) and Health and Societies (HSOC). Our students also enjoy the talents and research of associated faculty from across the university. Alumni in a wide array of positions and institutions provide a supportive network for undergraduates.