STS 4240

STS 4240

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2019-2020.

The social impact of technologies is typically thought about fairly late, if ever, in the design process. Indeed, it can be difficult at design time to predict what effects technologies will have. Nevertheless, design decisions can inadvertently "lock in" particular values early on. In this course, we will draw on science & technology studies, technology design, and the arts to analyze the values embodied in technology design and to design technologies to promote positive social impact. What social and cultural values do technology designs consciously or unconsciously promote? To what degree can social impact be "built into" a technology? How can we take social and cultural values into account in design?

When Offered Fall, Summer.

Distribution Category (CA-AS)

Comments Technical background is not needed for this course.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion. Combined with: INFO 4240

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  8321 STS 4240   LEC 001

  •  9584 STS 4240   DIS 201

  •  9585 STS 4240   DIS 202

  •  9586 STS 4240   DIS 203

  •  9587 STS 4240   DIS 204

  •  9588 STS 4240   DIS 205

  •  9589 STS 4240   DIS 207

  •  9591 STS 4240   DIS 210

  •  9592 STS 4240   DIS 211