SCI201: Science and Technology

Credit Hours:
3
Estimated Hours Per Week:
9

Overview

This course provides a multidisciplinary exploration of the contemporary social implications of modern science and technology. Course topics address scientific and technological developments that have generated social debate in recent years. Topics discussed include:

  • Energy demands
  • Health and medical developments
  • Space and information technological advances

The course project, Position Portfolio: Developing Opinions on Scientific and Technological Developments, is a collection of papers written by the student about module-specific topics. Using text readings, web resources, and module themes, students formulate their own positions on controversial topics.

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Describe the role of governments, businesses, scientific experts, and private citizens in advancing and regulating scientific and technological development.
  • Identify the pros and cons of alternative energy forms.
  • Weigh risks associated with increased agricultural production methods.
  • Evaluate the idea of space exploration for human colonization.
  • Describe the social impact of information technology with respect to privacy rights.
  • Explain issues related to biotechnology and genetic cloning.
ENROLLMENT
To enroll in this course, please complete the online application.

Required Texts
SCI201 texts are available from the JIU/Follett Bookstore