SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY • STS.004 Intersections: Science, Technology, and the World
• At least one STS Tier I subject (http://sts-program.mit.edu/
academics/undergraduate/tier-i-subjects), in addition to
The Program in Science, Technology, and Society (STS) focuses on
STS.004
the ways in which scientic, technological, and social factors interact
to shape modern life. The program brings together humanists, • At least one STS Tier II subject (http://sts-program.mit.edu/
social scientists, engineers, and natural scientists, all committed academics/undergraduate/tier-ii-subjects) 
to transcending the boundaries of their disciplines in a joint search • Four other STS subjects
for new insights and new ways of reaching science and engineering • Four subjects related to the historical and social study of science
students. The goal of the program is to set up a forum to explore and technology
the relationship between what scientists and engineers do and the • STS.THT Undergraduate Thesis Tutorial 
constraints, needs, and responses of society.
• STS.THU Undergraduate Thesis
Located in a major university where most people study science
If a student's other major also requires a thesis, students may
and engineering, STS is dedicated to understanding the context of
coordinate their thesis eort, pending approval of undergraduate
science and engineering.
ocers in both majors. Further details on the requirements of the
STS program may be obtained from the STS undergraduate academic
ocer and the STS academic administrator.
Undergraduate Study
MIT students are increasingly seeking to understand the social Joint Degree Programs
and historical contexts in which they will work and the social Students who wish to integrate studies in STS and science or
consequences of what they will do in their professional careers. engineering in the context of a single degree should consider this
STS subjects help them think realistically and creatively about the program. It leads to one degree, either a Bachelor of Science in
intellectual, moral, political, and social issues raised by the rapid Humanities and Science or a Bachelor of Science in Humanities and
growth of science and technology in the 20th century and beyond. Engineering. The STS requirement for either degree is 9 subjects as
follows:
STS contributes to undergraduate education at MIT in several ways.
It oers general subjects to introduce students to broad social • STS.004 Intersections: Science, Technology, and the World
and intellectual perspectives on science and engineering elds. • At least one STS Tier I subject (http://sts-program.mit.edu/
It also oers more specialized subjects in the history of science academics/undergraduate/tier-i-subjects), in addition to
and technology and in social and cultural studies of science and STS.004
technology. Within each of these categories, students can choose • At least one STS Tier II subject (http://sts-program.mit.edu/
both introductory and more advanced subjects. academics/undergraduate/tier-ii-subjects) 
• Four other STS subjects
STS as a Second Major
• STS.THT Undergraduate Thesis Tutorial 
Students who wish to integrate their professional study of
engineering or science with a rigorous treatment of its relation • STS.THU Undergraduate Thesis
to social and historical forces may pursue STS as a second major
Consult the 21E (http://catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/humanities-
(http://catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/science-technology-society-
engineering-course-21e) and 21S (http://catalog.mit.edu/degree-
sts) in cooperation with the Schools of Engineering and Science. The
charts/humanities-science-course-21s) degree charts for details
object of this program is to give those students the full technical
on the requirements for these joint degrees. Further details may be
and scientic education provided by a science or engineering major,
obtained from the SHASS Dean's Oce ([email protected]), Room
balanced with intensive study of the historical and social contexts
4-240, and the STS academic administrator.
of science and technology. Double major applications from students
in other Schools (e.g., Architecture and Planning; Management;
Minor in Science, Technology, and Society
Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences) will be considered on a case-
The goal of the minor program is to give students a broad social
by-case basis.
perspective on the elds of engineering and science: how they have
Students in the double major program must complete all the evolved and how they t into the wider context of society, culture,
requirements of both majors. The STS requirements include 13 politics, and values.
subjects as follows:
The Minor in Science, Technology, and Society consists of six STS
subjects, including STS.004, at least one additional subject from the
Tier I list, and at least one subject from the Tier II list.

Science, Technology, and Society   |   3

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Tier I STS.260 Introduction to Science, Technology, 12

STS.004 Intersections: Science, Technology, 12 and Society
1
and the World
Students are encouraged to take 21A.809 Designing Empirical
Select one of the following: 12
Research in the Social Sciences or 21A.819 Ethnographic Research
STS.001 Technology in American History Methods at some point in their program. To fulll the remaining
STS.002 Finance and Society subject requirement, students choose from among several
STS.003 Ancient Greeks to Modern Geeks: A departmental seminars designed to oer more in-depth study of
History of Science particular topics. They may also take subjects oered by other MIT
STS.005[J] Data and Society departments and through cross-registration with Harvard.

STS.006[J] Bioethics Upon the satisfactory completion of general examinations in the

STS.008 Technology and Experience third year, students proceed to the writing of a dissertation proposal
STS.009 Evolution and Society and dissertation, usually with the assistance of a multidisciplinary
STS.011 Engineering Life: Biotechnology and advisory committee.
Society
Students from any academic discipline are invited to apply to the
STS.012 Science in Action: Technologies and doctoral program.
Controversies in Everyday Life
Tier II
2 Inquiries

Select one subject from the list of Tier II subjects 9-12 Visit the website for additional information about the HASTS
Electives graduate program (http://web.mit.edu/hasts) or contact the STS
Select three additional subjects from among Tiers I 27-36 academic administrator (https://sts-program.mit.edu/contact), Room
and II E51-163, 617-253-9759.
Total Units 60-72
1
Substitution with a similar subject may be permitted by petition to the STS Faculty and Teaching Sta
Undergraduate Ocer.
2 Deborah K. Fitzgerald, PhD
See list of Tier II subjects (http://sts-program.mit.edu/academics/
Leverett Howell Cutten '07 and William King Cutten '39 Professor of
undergraduate/tier-ii-subjects).
the History of Technology
Interim Head, Program in Science, Technology, and Society

Graduate Study Professors

In collaboration, STS, the History Faculty, and the Anthropology Kate Brown, PhD
Program oer a doctoral program in History, Anthropology, and Thomas M. Siebel Distinguished Professor in the History of Science
Science, Technology, and Society (HASTS). Professor of Science, Technology, and Society

The objective of the program is to develop advanced competence Michael M. J. Fischer, PhD
in the study of science and technology from a historical and social Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities
scientic perspective. Students are expected to develop professional Professor of Science and Technology Studies
mastery of a eld of history or one of the social sciences. They must Professor of Anthropology
also master the underlying concepts in science and engineering that (On leave, fall)
relate to their special eld of interest.
David I. Kaiser, PhD
Graduate students are required to take at least 10 subjects and Germeshausen Professor of the History of Science
usually complete them within their rst two years. Normally, all Professor of Physics
students take the following required introductory seminars in their
Jennifer S. Light, PhD
rst year:
Bern Dibner Professor of the History of Science and Technology
21A.859[J] Social Theory and Analysis 12 Professor of Urban Studies and Planning
(On leave)
21H.991 Theories and Methods in the Study of 12
History

4   |   Science, Technology, and Society

 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Kenneth R. Manning, PhD Leo Marx, PhD

Thomas Meloy Professor of Rhetoric William R. Kenan Professor Emeritus
Professor of Science, Technology, and Society Professor Emeritus of American Cultural History

Chakanetsa Mavhunga, PhD Theodore A. Postol, PhD

Professor of Science, Technology, and Society Professor Emeritus of Science, Technology, and National Security
Policy
David A. Mindell, PhD
Frances and David Dibner Professor in the History of Engineering and Eugene B. Skolniko, PhD
Manufacturing Professor Emeritus of Political Science
Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics Professor Emeritus of Science, Technology, and Society

Merritt Roe Smith, PhD

Leverett Howell Cutten '07 and William King Cutten '39 Professor of
Undergraduate Subjects
the History of Technology
Professor of History Tier I Subjects
Sherry R. Turkle, PhD
Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor of the Social Studies of Science STS.001 Technology in American History
and Technology Prereq: None
U (Fall)
Rosalind H. Williams, PhD 3-0-9 units. HASS-H
Bern Dibner Professor Post-Tenure in the History of Science and
Technology A survey of America's transition from a rural, agrarian, and artisan
Professor Post-Tenure of Science, Technology, and Society society to one of the world's leading industrial powers. Treats the
emergence of industrial capitalism: the rise of the factory system;
Associate Professors new forms of power, transport, and communication; the advent of
Dwaipayan Banerjee, PhD the large industrial corporation; the social relations of production;
Leo Marx Career Development Professor and the hallmarks of science-based industry. Views technology
Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society as part of the larger culture and reveals innovation as a process
consisting of a range of possibilities that are chosen or rejected
William Deringer, PhD according to the social criteria of the time.
Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society M. R. Smith
(On leave, fall)
STS.002 Finance and Society
Eden Medina, PhD Prereq: None
Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Robin Scheler, PhD Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall)
Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society 3-0-9 units. HASS-S; CI-H
(On leave, spring) Examines nance as a social technology intended to improve
economic opportunity by moving capital to where it is most needed.
Adjunct Professors Surveys the history of modern nance, from medieval Italy to the
John R. Durant, PhD Great Depression, while addressing credit, nance and state (and
Adjunct Professor of Science, Technology, and Society imperial) power, global nancial interconnection, and nancial
crises. Explores modern nance (since about 1950) from a variety of
Professors Emeriti historical and social-scientic perspectives, covering quant nance,
nancialization, the crisis of 2007-2008, and nance in the digital
Louis L. Bucciarelli Jr, PhD
age. Enrollment limited.
Professor Emeritus of Engineering and Technology Studies
W. Deringer
Loren Graham, PhD
Professor Emeritus of the History of Science

Evelyn Fox Keller, PhD

Professor Emerita of the History and Philosophy of Science

Science, Technology, and Society   |   5

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.003 Ancient Greeks to Modern Geeks: A History of Science STS.008 Technology and Experience
Prereq: None Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Spring) Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall)
3-0-9 units. HASS-H; CI-H 3-0-9 units. HASS-S; CI-H

Covers the development of major elds in the physical and life Introduces the "inner history" of technology: how it aects intimate
sciences, from 18th-century Europe through 20th-century America. aspects of human experience from sociological, psychological
Examines ideas, institutions, and the social settings of the sciences, and anthropological perspectives. Topics vary, but may include
with emphasis on how cultural contexts influence scientic concepts how the internet transforms our experience of time, space,
and practices. privacy, and social engagement; how entertainment media aects
W. Deringer, D. I. Kaiser attention, creativity, aesthetics and emotion; how innovations in
wearable and textile technologies reshape notions of history and
STS.004 Intersections: Science, Technology, and the World identity; how pharmaceuticals reshape identity, mood, pain, and
Prereq: None pleasure. Includes in-class discussion of readings, short written and
U (Fall) multimedia assignments, nal project. Enrollment limited.
3-0-9 units. HASS-H Sta

Exposes students to multidisciplinary studies in Science, STS.009 Evolution and Society

Technology, and Society (STS), using four case studies to illustrate Prereq: None
a broad range of approaches to basic principles of STS studies. Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Case studies vary from year to year, but always include a current Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall)
MIT event. Other topics are drawn from legal and political conflicts, 3-0-9 units. HASS-H; CI-H
and arts and communication media. Includes guest presenters,
discussion groups, eld activities, visual media, and a practicum Provides a broad conceptual and historical introduction to scientic
style of learning. Enrollment limited. theories of evolution and their place in the wider culture. Embraces
D. Fitzgerald historical, scientic and anthropological/cultural perspectives
grounded in relevant developments in the biological sciences since
STS.005[J] Data and Society 1800 that are largely responsible for the development of the modern
Same subject as 11.155[J], IDS.057[J] theory of evolution by natural selection. Students read key texts,
Prereq: None analyze key debates (e.g. Darwinian debates in the 19th century,
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Spring) and the creation controversies in the 20th century) and give class
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered presentations.
3-0-9 units. HASS-H J. Durant, R. Scheler

Introduces students to the social, political, and ethical aspects STS.011 Engineering Life: Biotechnology and Society
of data science work. Designed to create reflective practitioners Prereq: None
who are able to think critically about how collecting, aggregating, Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
and analyzing data are social processes and processes that aect Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
people. 3-0-9 units. HASS-H
E. Medina, S. Williams
Provides instruction in the history of humanity's eorts to control
STS.006[J] Bioethics and shape life through biotechnology, from agriculture to gene
Same subject as 24.06[J] editing. Examines the technologies, individuals and socio-economic
Prereq: None systems that are associated with such eorts, as well as the impact
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered that these eorts have on society and science as a whole. Explores
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall) these issues with particular attention to the development of the
3-0-9 units. HASS-H; CI-H modern biotechnology industry in the Greater Boston area. Includes
a eld trip.
See description under subject 24.06[J]. R. W. Scheler
N. Baron-Schmitt, R. Scheler

6   |   Science, Technology, and Society

 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.012 Science in Action: Technologies and Controversies in STS.023[J] Science, Gender and Social Inequality in the
Everyday Life Developing World
Prereq: None Same subject as WGS.226[J]
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Prereq: None
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring) Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
3-0-9 units. HASS-S Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
3-0-9 units. HASS-H
Explores a range of controversies about the role of technology, the
nature of scientic research and the place of politics in science: See description under subject WGS.226[J].
debates about digital piracy and privacy, the role of activism in A. Sur
science, the increasingly unclear boundaries between human and
non-human, the role of MRIs as courtroom evidence, the potential STS.025[J] Making the Modern World: The Industrial Revolution
influence of gender on scientic research, etc. Provides exposure in Global Perspective
to science in a dynamic relation with social life and cultural ideas. Same subject as 21H.285[J]
Materials draw from humanities and social science research, Prereq: None
ethnographic eldwork, lms and science podcasts, as well as from Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
experimental multimedia. Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
D. Banerjee 3-0-9 units. HASS-H

Tier II Subjects Global survey of the great transformation in history known as

the "Industrial Revolution." Topics include origins of mechanized
STS.021[J] Science Activism: Gender, Race, and Power production, the factory system, steam propulsion, electrication,
Same subject as WGS.160[J] mass communications, mass production and automation. Emphasis
Prereq: None on the transfer of technology and its many adaptations around the
U (Fall) world. Countries treated include Great Britain, France, Germany,
3-0-9 units. HASS-E the US, Sweden, Russia, Japan, China, and India. Includes brief
reflection papers and a nal paper.
See description under subject WGS.160[J]. M. R. Smith
E. Bertschinger
STS.026 History of Manufacturing in America
STS.022[J] Gender, Race, and Environmental Justice Subject meets with STS.425
Same subject as 21A.407[J], 21G.057[J], WGS.275[J] Prereq: None
Prereq: None Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Spring) Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered 3-0-9 units. HASS-H
3-0-9 units. HASS-S
Introductory survey of fundamental innovations and transitions
Provides an introduction to the analysis of gender in science, in American manufacturing from the colonial period to the mid-
technology, and environmental politics from a global perspective. twentieth century. Primary emphasis on textiles and metalworking,
Familiarizes students with central objects, questions, and methods with particular attention to the role of the machine tool industry in
in the eld. Examines existent critiques of the racial, sexual and the American manufacturing economy. Students taking graduate
environmental politics at stake in techno-scientic cultures. version are expected to explore the material in greater depth.
Draws on material from popular culture, media, ction, lm, and M. R. Smith
ethnography. Addressing specic examples from across the globe,
students also explore dierent approaches to build more livable
environments that promote social justice. Taught in English. Limited
to 18.
B. Stoetzer

Science, Technology, and Society   |   7

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.027[J] The Civil War and the Emergence of Modern America: STS.031[J] Environment and History
1861-1890 Same subject as 12.386[J], 21H.185[J]
Same subject as 21H.205[J] Prereq: None
Subject meets with STS.427 U (Spring)
Prereq: Permission of instructor 3-0-9 units. HASS-S; CI-H
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring) See description under subject 21H.185[J]. Enrollment limited.
3-0-9 units. HASS-H K. Brown, S. Solomon

Using the American Civil War as a baseline, considers what it STS.032 Energy, Environment, and Society
means to become "modern" by exploring the war's material Prereq: None
and manpower needs, associated key technologies, and how Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
both influenced the United States' entrance into the age of "Big Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall)
Business." Readings include material on steam transportation, 3-0-9 units. HASS-H
telegraphic communications, arms production, naval innovation,
food processing, medicine, public health, management methods, Uses a problem-solving, multi-disciplinary, and multicultural
and the mass production of everything from underwear to uniforms approach that takes energy beyond the complex circuits, grids,
– all essential ingredients of modernity. Students taking graduate and kilojoules to the realm of everyday life, with ordinary people as
version complete additional assignments. practitioners and producers of energy knowledge, infrastructures,
M. R. Smith and technologies. The three main objectives are to immerse students
in the historical, cultural, multi-cultural, and entrepreneurial aspects
STS.028 Seven Wonders of the Engineering World of energy across the world to make them better energy engineers; to
Prereq: None introduce them to research and analytical methods; and to deploy
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered these methods and their various skills to solve/design a solution, in
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring) groups, to a specic energy problem chosen by the students. Each
3-0-9 units. HASS-H cohort tackles a dierent energy problem. Provides instruction on
how to be active shapers of the world and to bring students' various
Uses case studies to take a broad-ranging look at seven major disciplinary skills and cultural diversity into dialogue as conceptual
engineering achievements in world history. Examines the nature of tools for problem-solving. Enrollment limited.
engineering as a source of knowledge production/application, how it C. Mavhunga
reflects the cultural settings in which it emerges, and how it changes
as it enters dierent cultural and economic settings. Includes weekly STS.033[J] People and the Planet: Environmental Histories and
reflection papers. Achievements covered vary from term to term. Engineering
Limited to 20. Same subject as 11.004[J]
M. R. Smith Subject meets with 11.204[J], IDS.524[J]
Prereq: None
STS.030 Forensic History: Problem Solving into the Past U (Fall)
Prereq: None Not oered regularly; consult department
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered 3-3-6 units. HASS-E
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
3-0-9 units. HASS-S See description under subject 11.004[J].
A. Slocum, R. Scheler, J. Trancik
Explores new pathways to use the latest science and technologies
to understand the past. Working like detectives, students draw on
research methods from such elds as climate science, geology,
molecular biology, proteomics, DNA testing, carbon dating and
big data analysis to invent their own forensic historical research
techniques. They also study new narrative forms to accompany novel
research techniques. Instruction and practice in oral and written
communication provided. Enrollment limited.
K. Brown

8   |   Science, Technology, and Society

 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.034 Science Communication: A Practical Guide STS.040 A Global History of Commodities

Prereq: None Prereq: None
U (Spring) Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Not oered regularly; consult department Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
3-0-9 units. HASS-H; CI-H 3-0-9 units. HASS-H; CI-H

Develops students' abilities to communicate science eectively in Inspires students to think about production chains in ways that
a variety of real-world contexts. Covers strategies for dealing with reflect their impact on the environment, labor practices, and human
complex areas like theoretical physics, genomics and neuroscience, health. Examines how commodities connect distant places through
and addresses challenges in communicating about topics such a chain of relationships, and link people, e.g., enslaved African
as climate change and evolution. Projects focus on speaking and producers with middle-class American consumers, and Asian factory
writing, being an expert witness, preparing briengs for policy- workers with Europeans taking a holiday on the beach. Studies how
makers, writing blogs, giving live interviews for broadcast, and mass production and mass demand for commodities, such as real
influencing public dialogue through opinion-editorials. Enrollment estate, bananas, rubber, corn, and beef, in the 20th century changed
limited. the way people worked, lived, and saw themselves as they adopted
B. Venkataraman new technologies to produce and consume in radically dierent
ways from their parents and grandparents. Assignments include
STS.035 Exhibiting Science creation of a board game for buying and selling real estate in Boston,
Prereq: One CI-H/CI-HW subject and permission of instructor a two-minute mini-documentary, and an article on a commodity and
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered country. Limited to 25.
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring) K. Brown
2-2-8 units. HASS-A
STS.042[J] Einstein, Oppenheimer, Feynman: Physics in the 20th
Project-based seminar covers key topics in museum communication, Century
including science learning in informal settings, the role of artifacts Same subject as 8.225[J]
and interactives, and exhibit evaluation. Students work on a Prereq: None
term-long project, organized around the design, fabrication, and Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
installation of an original multimedia exhibit about current scientic Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall)
research at MIT. Culminates with the project's installation in the MIT 3-0-9 units. HASS-H
Museum's Mark Epstein Innovation Gallery. Limited to 20; preference
to students who have taken STS.034. Explores the changing roles of physics and physicists during the
J. Durant 20th century. Topics range from relativity theory and quantum
mechanics to high-energy physics and cosmology. Examines the
STS.036 Science in American Life: 1920-2020 (New) development of modern physics within shiing institutional,
Prereq: None cultural, and political contexts, such as physics in Imperial Britain,
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall) Nazi Germany, US eorts during World War II, and physicists' roles
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered during the Cold War. Enrollment limited.
3-0-9 units. HASS-H D. I. Kaiser

Assesses the place of science in American public life from the

1920s to the present. Takes a historically inflected approach to
examine the social relations of science in the modern United States.
Examines science and (in turn) religion, warfare, health, education,
the environment, and human rights to explore how an international
leader in science is also home to some of the developed world's
most persistent forms of "science denialism." Examples include the
denial of evolution, human-induced climate change, and particular
medical-scientic aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
J. Durant

Science, Technology, and Society   |   9

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.043 Technology and Self: Science, Technology, and Memoir STS.047 Quantifying People: A History of Social Science
Subject meets with STS.443 Prereq: None
Prereq: None Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall) Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered 3-0-9 units. HASS-S
2-0-7 units. HASS-S
Historical examination of the quest to understand human society
Focuses on the memoir as a window onto the relationship of creative scientically. Focuses on quantication, including its central role
people (scientists, engineers, designers, and others) to their work. in the historical development of social science and its importance
Examines how class, race, ethnicity, family history, and trauma in the 21st-century data age. Covers the political arithmetic of the
shape the person who shapes artifacts, experiments, and ideas. 17th century to the present. Emphasizes intensive reading of primary
Readings explore the connection between material culture, identity, sources, which represent past attempts to count, calculate, measure,
and personal development. Oers the opportunity, if desired, and model many dimensions of human social life (population,
to examine personal experiences and write memoir fragments. wealth, health, happiness, intelligence, crime, deviance, race).
Students taking graduate version write a longer nal paper. Limited Limited to 25.
to 15; no listeners. W. Deringer
S. Turkle
STS.048 African Americans in Science, Technology, and
STS.044 Technology and Self: Things and Thinking Medicine
Subject meets with STS.444 Prereq: None
Prereq: None U (Spring)
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall) 3-0-9 units. HASS-H
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
2-0-7 units. HASS-S A survey of the contributions of African Americans to science,
technology, and medicine from colonial times to the present.
Explores emotional and intellectual impact of objects. The growing Explores the impact of concepts, trends, and developments in
literature on cognition and "things" cuts across anthropology, science, technology, and medicine on the lives of African Americans.
history, social theory, literature, sociology, and psychology and Examples include the eugenics movement, the Tuskegee Syphilis
is of great relevance to science students. Examines the range of Experiment, the debate surrounding racial inheritance, and IQ
theories, from Mary Douglas in anthropology to D. W. Winnicott in testing.
psychoanalytic thinking, that underlies "thing" or "object" analysis. K. Manning
Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
Limited to 15; no listeners. STS.049 The Long War Against Cancer
S. Turkle Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall)
STS.046[J] The Science of Race, Sex, and Gender Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
Same subject as 21A.103[J], WGS.225[J] 3-0-9 units. HASS-H; CI-H
Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall) Examines anticancer eorts as a critical area for the formation of
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered contemporary biomedical explanations for health and disease.
3-0-9 units. HASS-S Begins with the premise that the most signicant implications of
these eorts extend far beyond the success or failure of individual
See description under subject WGS.225[J]. cancer therapies. Considers developments in the epidemiology,
A. Sur therapy, and politics of cancer. Uses the history of cancer to connect
the history of biology and medicine to larger social and cultural
developments, including those in bioethics, race, gender, activism,
markets, and governance.
R. W. Scheler

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 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.050 The History of MIT STS.058 Space Exploration and Interplanetary Habitation
Prereq: None Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring) Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
3-0-9 units. HASS-H 3-0-9 units. HASS-E

Examines the history of MIT, from its founding to the present, Engages with historical, contemporary and emerging practices in
through the lens of the history of science and technology. Topics sciences, design, architecture, arts, and technology to examine how
include William Barton Rogers; the modern research university and the study of the histories of colonialism, capitalism, racism, and
educational philosophy; campus, intellectual, and organizational sexism oers critical means and methods for (re)envisioning outer
development; changing laboratories and practices; MIT's space exploration, life under extreme conditions, and planetary
relationship with Boston, the federal government, and industry; and habitation. Instruction oers tools of analysis issued from Science
notable activities and achievements of students, alumni, faculty, and and Technology Studies (STS) and Feminist Sciences Studies to
sta. Includes guest lecturers, on-campus eld trips, and interactive assess the social, political and anthropological impact of outer
exercises. Enrollment limited. space science and technology on Earth-based societies.
D. Douglas M-P. Boucher

STS.052 Living with Risk: Threats, Accidents, and Disasters in a STS.060[J] The Anthropology of Biology
Technological Age Same subject as 21A.303[J]
Prereq: None Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring) Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
3-0-9 units. HASS-H 3-0-9 units. HASS-S

Uses a set of case studies to develop an analytical framework for See description under subject 21A.303[J].
understanding complex scientic and technical systems and their S. Helmreich
occasional failures. Addresses topics such as nuclear power and
weapons, marine shipping, cybersecurity, and rising sea levels. STS.064[J] DV Lab: Documenting Science through Video and New
D. Fitzgerald Media
Same subject as 21A.550[J]
STS.053 Multidisciplinary Interactive Learning Through Subject meets with 21A.559
Problem-Solving (New) Prereq: None
Prereq: None U (Spring)
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered 3-3-6 units. HASS-A; CI-H
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
3-0-9 units. HASS-E See description under subject 21A.550[J]. Limited to 12.
C. Walley, C. Boebel
Interdisciplinary problem-solving at the intersection of humanities,
science, engineering, and business. Team-taught face-to-face STS.065[J] The Anthropology of Sound
classes at multiple US and African universities connected live via Same subject as 21A.505[J]
Zoom. Divided into four sections/assessments: US and African Prereq: None
histories, cultures, politics, and development relations; HASS as U (Spring)
a problem-solving tool; STEM applications to real-life problem- 3-0-9 units. HASS-S
solving; and introduction to summer eld-class sites or exchange
programs. Goal is to equip students with skills for team-based trans- See description under subject 21A.505[J].
disciplinary and cross-cultural problem-solving. S. Helmreich
C. C. Mavhunga

Science, Technology, and Society   |   11

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.074[J] Art, Cra, Science STS.081[J] Innovation Systems for Science, Technology, Energy,
Same subject as 21A.501[J] Manufacturing, and Health
Prereq: None Same subject as 17.395[J]
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall) Prereq: None
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall)
3-0-9 units. HASS-S Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
Credit cannot also be received for 21A.509[J], STS.474[J] 2-0-7 units. HASS-S

See description under subject 21A.501[J]. Examines science and technology innovation systems, including
H. Paxson case studies on energy, computing, advanced manufacturing,
and health sectors. Emphasizes public policy and the federal
STS.075[J] Technology and Culture government's role in that system. Focuses on the US but uses
Same subject as 21A.500[J] international examples. Reviews foundations of economic growth
Prereq: None theory, innovation systems theory, and the basic approaches to
U (Fall, Spring) science and technology policy. Explores the organization and role of
2-0-7 units. HASS-S energy and medical science R&D agencies, as well as gaps in those
innovation systems. Also addresses the science and technology
See description under subject 21A.500[J]. Limited to 50. talent base as a factor in growth, and educational approaches to
H. Paxson better support it. Class meets for nine weeks; in the remaining
weeks, students work on a nal paper due at the end of the term.
STS.080[J] Youth Political Participation Limited to 25.
Same subject as 11.151[J] W. B. Bonvillian
Prereq: None
U (Spring) STS.082[J] Science, Technology, and Public Policy
Not oered regularly; consult department Same subject as 17.309[J], IDS.055[J]
3-0-9 units. HASS-H Prereq: None
Surveys youth political participation in the US since the early U (Spring)
1800s. Investigates trends in youth political activism during specic 4-0-8 units. HASS-S; CI-H
historical periods, as well as what dierence youth media production Credit cannot also be received for 17.310[J], IDS.412[J], STS.482[J]
and technology use (e.g., radio, music, automobiles, ready-made See description under subject 17.309[J].
clothing) made in determining the course of events. Explores what K. Oye, N. Selin
is truly new about "new media" and reviews lessons from history for
present-day activists based on patterns of past failure and success. STS.083 Computers and Social Change
Some mandatory eld trips may occur during class time. Limited to Prereq: None
40. Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
J. S. Light Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
3-0-9 units. HASS-H

Provides instruction on how people have historically connected

computers to ideas on social, economic, and political change and
how these ideas have changed over time. Based on a series of case
studies from dierent parts of the world. Explores topics such as
how computers have intertwined with ideas on work, freedom,
governance, and access to knowledge. Limited to 25.
E. Medina

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 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.084[J] Social Problems of Nuclear Energy STS.088 Africa for Engineers

Same subject as 22.04[J] Prereq: None
Prereq: None Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
U (Fall) Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring)
3-0-9 units. HASS-S 3-0-9 units. HASS-H

See description under subject 22.04[J]. Limited to 18. Covers historical, cultural, and ethical dimensions of engineering
R. S. Kemp in Africa. Focuses on construction of big projects like cities,
hydroelectricity dams, roads, railway lines, ports and harbors,
STS.085[J] Foundations of Information Policy transport and communication, mines, industrial processing plant,
Same subject as 6.805[J] and plantations. Explores the contributions of big capital, engineers,
Subject meets with STS.487 politicians, and ordinary people. Emphasizes how local culture,
Prereq: Permission of instructor politics, labor, and knowledge aect engineering. Also focuses on
U (Fall) environmental and cultural impact assessment. Prepares students
3-0-9 units. HASS-S who wish to work or study in Africa and the Global South. Enrollment
limited.
See description under subject 6.805[J]. Enrollment limited. C. Mavhunga
H. Abelson, R. David Edelman, M. Fischer, D. Weitzner
STS.095, STS.096 Independent Study in Science, Technology,
STS.086[J] Cultures of Computing and Society
Same subject as 21A.504[J], WGS.276[J] Prereq: None
Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring)
U (Fall) Units arranged [P/D/F]
3-0-9 units. HASS-S Can be repeated for credit.
See description under subject 21A.504[J]. For students who wish to pursue special studies or projects with a
H. Beltrán member of the Program in Science, Technology, and Society. STS.095
is letter-graded; STS.096 is P/D/F.
STS.087 Biography in Science Sta
Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall) Special Subjects
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
3-0-9 units. HASS-H STS.S20, STS.S21 Special Subject: Science, Technology and
An examination of biography as a literary genre to be employed in Society
the history of science. The use of biography in dierent historical Prereq: None
periods to illuminate aspects of the development of science. A U (Fall, IAP, Spring)
critical analysis of autobiography, archival sources, and the oral Not oered regularly; consult department
tradition as materials in the construction of biographies of scientists. Units arranged
Published biographies of scientists constitute the major reading, Can be repeated for credit.
but attention is given to unpublished biographical sources as well. Addresses subject matter in Science, Technology and Society that is
Comparison is drawn between biography as a literary form in the not oered in the regular curriculum.
history of science and in other disciplines. Sta
K. Manning

Science, Technology, and Society   |   13

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Research STS.THU Undergraduate Thesis

Prereq: STS.THT
STS.095, STS.096 Independent Study in Science, Technology, U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
and Society Units arranged
Prereq: None Can be repeated for credit.
U (Fall, IAP, Spring)
Units arranged [P/D/F] Completion of work of the senior major thesis under the supervision
Can be repeated for credit. of a faculty tutor. Includes gathering materials, preparing dra
chapters, giving an oral presentation of thesis progress to faculty
For students who wish to pursue special studies or projects with a evaluators early in the term, and writing and revising the nal text.
member of the Program in Science, Technology, and Society. STS.095 Students meet at the end of the term with faculty evaluators to
is letter-graded; STS.096 is P/D/F. discuss the successes and limitations of the project. Required of all
Sta candidates for an STS degree.
Sta
STS.UR Undergraduate Research
Prereq: None
Graduate Subjects
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged [P/D/F] Required Introductory Subjects
Can be repeated for credit.

Undergraduate research opportunities in the STS Program. STS.250[J] Social Theory and Analysis
Sta Same subject as 21A.859[J]
Prereq: None
STS.URG Undergraduate Research Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Prereq: None Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) 3-0-9 units
Units arranged See description under subject 21A.859[J].
Can be repeated for credit. M. Fischer
Undergraduate research opportunities in the STS Program.
Sta STS.260 Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society
Prereq: None
STS.THT Undergraduate Thesis Tutorial Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Prereq: None Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
U (Fall, Spring) 3-0-9 units
Units arranged Intensive reading and analysis of major works in historical and
Can be repeated for credit. social studies of science and technology. Introduction to current
Denition and early-stage work on thesis project leading to STS.THU. methodological approaches, centered around two primary
Taken during rst term of student's two-term commitment to thesis questions: how have science and technology evolved as human
project. Student works closely with STS faculty tutor. Required of all activities, and what roles do they play in society? Preparation for
candidates for an STS degree. graduate work in the eld of science and technology studies and
Sta introduction to research resources and professional standards.
Sta

14   |   Science, Technology, and Society

 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Advanced Seminars STS.340 Introduction to the History of Technology

Prereq: Permission of instructor
STS.310 History of Science Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered 3-0-9 units
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
3-0-9 units Introduction to the consideration of technology as the outcome
of particular technical, historical, cultural, and political eorts,
Intensive reading and analysis of key works in the history and especially in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries.
historiography of science. Introduces students to basic interpretive Topics include industrialization of production and consumption,
issues, bibliographic sources, and professional standards. Topics development of engineering professions, the emergence of
change from year to year. management and its role in shaping technological forms, the
R. W. Scheler technological construction of gender roles, and the relationship
between humans and machines.
STS.320[J] Environmental Conflict M. R. Smith, D. Mindell
Same subject as 21A.429[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor STS.360[J] Ethnography
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Same subject as 21A.829[J]
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring) Prereq: Permission of instructor
3-0-9 units Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
Explores the complex interrelationships among humans and natural 3-0-9 units
environments, focusing on non-western parts of the world in
addition to Europe and the United States. Use of environmental Practicum style course introduces students to ethnographic methods
conflict to draw attention to competing understandings and uses and writing in global health research. Organized around interviewing
of "nature" as well as the local, national and transnational power and observational assignments. Students develop a bibliography of
relationships in which environmental interactions are embedded.   anthropological and ethnographic writing relevant to their project,
In addition to utilizing a range of theoretical perspectives, subject and write a short paper about integrating ethnographic methods
draws upon a series of ethnographic case studies of environmental into a future research project. Preference to HASTS students; open to
conflicts in various parts of the world. others with permission of instructor.
C. Walley M. Fischer

STS.330[J] History and Anthropology of Medicine and Biology STS.412 Quantication

Same subject as 21A.319[J] Prereq: None
Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall) Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered 3-0-9 units
3-0-9 units
Surveys research on quantication, the practice of using numerical
See description under subject 21A.319[J]. data and calculation to analyze, order, and control. Begins by
S. Helmreich examining historical accounts of the rise of quantitative methods
and values since c. 1600. Goes on to explore the dynamics and
consequences of quantication across a range of modern domains,
including science, politics, governance, health, education, crime,
law, economic development, nance, and environmental regulation.
Readings drawn from STS, history, anthropology, sociology, and
philosophy.
W. Deringer

Science, Technology, and Society   |   15

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.414[J] Risk, Fortune, and Futurity STS.425 History of Manufacturing in America

Same subject as 21H.984[J] Subject meets with STS.026
Prereq: None Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Spring) Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
3-0-9 units 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 21H.984[J]. Open to undergraduates Introductory survey of fundamental innovations and transitions
with permission of instructor; consult department for details. in American manufacturing from the colonial period to the mid-
W. Deringer, C. Horan twentieth century. Primary emphasis on textiles and metalworking,
with particular attention to the role of the machine tool industry in
STS.417 STS Seminar on the Global South the American manufacturing economy. Students taking graduate
Prereq: None version are expected to explore the material in greater depth.
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered M. R. Smith
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
3-0-9 units STS.427 The Civil War and the Emergence of Modern America:
1861-1890
Covers Africa and its diaspora, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Subject meets with 21H.205[J], STS.027[J]
Middle East, Southeast Asia and Asia, and Oceania. Seeks to explore Prereq: None
meanings of science and technology from traditions, experiences, Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
and literatures of these regions; to understand encounters and Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
outcomes of endogenous and inbound ideas, artifacts, and practice; 3-0-9 units
and to engage European and North American science, technology,
and society (STS) in dialogue with these literatures. Provides a global Using the American Civil War as a baseline, considers what it
view of STS in an increasingly interconnected world. Focuses on means to become "modern" by exploring the war's material
peoples of the Global South as innovative intellectual agents, not and manpower needs, associated key technologies, and how
just victims of technology or its appropriators. both influenced the United States' entrance into the age of "Big
D. Banerjee Business." Readings include material on steam transportation,
telegraphic communications, arms production, naval innovation,
STS.419 Global STS: Ethnography, Literature, and Film food processing, medicine, public health, management methods,
Prereq: Permission of instructor and the mass production of everything from underwear to uniforms
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered – all essential ingredients of modernity. Students taking graduate
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring) version complete additional assignments.
3-0-9 units M. R. Smith

Going beyond issues of brain drain and brain circulation, explores

how contemporary science and technology innovations look from,
and are being created in, parts of the world other than the US and
Europe. Uses lms, novels, and artworks to think across disciplinary
boundaries and the impact of science and technology on social
worlds (as well as the social worlds of scientists and engineers).
Open to upperclassmen with permission of instructor.
M. Fischer

STS.424[J] Race, History, and the Built Environment

Same subject as 11.244[J]
Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 11.244[J]. Limited to 14 students.

Erica James

16   |   Science, Technology, and Society

 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.430 Multi-Species Histories of Plant People, Wild and STS.441 Technology and Self: Technology and Conversation
Cultivated Prereq: None
Prereq: None Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Spring) Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered 2-0-10 units
3-0-9 units
Explores the relationship between technology and conversation, with
Examines how centering plants changes our understanding of what an emphasis on conversation in our digital age when so many say
it means to be human. Considers how, in response to the naming of they would rather text than talk. Topics center on the psychology
the Anthropocene and anxieties over ecological crises, researchers of online life, such as the way in which we both share and withhold
in various elds have turned to plants as central players. Using this information about the self. Discussion about the ways new kinds
as a starting point, explores how researchers have described and of online conversation are playing out in education, the workplace,
re-calibrated relations among plants, humans, and environment, and in families and what the changes in conversation mean for
between life and non-life, action and being, subjectivity and collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Readings include works in
autonomy in ways that radically altered ruling epistemologies in a history, literature, anthropology, psychology, and linguistics. Open
range of disciplines. Looks at how philosophers, farmers, foresters, to undergraduates by permission of instructor. Limited to 15; no
eco-critics, geographers, botanists, and popular science writers listeners.
adapted research questions and narratives to incorporate not only S. Turkle
plant uses, but plant intelligence and sentience.
K. Brown STS.443 Technology and Self: Science, Technology, and Memoir
Subject meets with STS.043
STS.436 Cold War Science Prereq: Permission of instructor
Prereq: None Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall) 2-0-7 units
3-0-9 units
Focuses on the memoir as a window onto the relationship of creative
Examines the history and legacy of the Cold War on science and people (scientists, engineers, designers, and others) to their work.
the environment in the US and the world. Explores scientists' new Examines how class, race, ethnicity, family history, and trauma
political roles aer World War II, ranging from elite policy makers shape the person who shapes artifacts, experiments, and ideas.
in the nuclear age to victims of domestic anti-Communism. Also Readings explore the connection between material culture, identity,
examines the changing institutions in which various scientic and personal development. Oers the opportunity, if desired,
elds were conducted during the postwar decades, investigating to examine personal experiences and write memoir fragments.
possible epistemic eects on forms of knowledge. Subject closes by Students taking graduate version write a longer nal paper. Limited
considering the places of science in the US during the post-Cold War to 15; no listeners.
era. S. Turkle
K. Brown, D. I. Kaiser
STS.444 Technology and Self: Things and Thinking
Subject meets with STS.044
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
2-0-7 units

Explores emotional and intellectual impact of objects. The growing

literature on cognition and “things” cuts across anthropology,
history, social theory, literature, sociology, and psychology and
is of great relevance to science students. Examines the range of
theories, from Mary Douglas in anthropology to D.W. Winnicott in
psychoanalytic thinking, that underlies “thing” or “object” analysis.
Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
Limited to 15; no listeners.
S. Turkle

Science, Technology, and Society   |   17

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.454 Museums, Science and Technology STS.461 History and Social Study of Computing
Prereq: Permission of instructor Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring) Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
3-0-9 units 3-0-9 units

Examines science, technology and museums. Includes regular Examines the history and social study of computers. Introduces
readings and discussions about the evolution of museums of students to the core and canonical literature in this area while also
science and technology from (roughly) 1800 to the present. Students providing the opportunity to read and discuss more recent works
undertake special projects linked to the MIT Museum's re-location to from multiple disciplines.
a new building under construction in Kendall Square. Students act E. Medina
as informal consultants to the MIT Museum, oering proposals for
innovative elements that will be seriously considered for inclusion in STS.462 Social and Political Implications of Technology
the new Museum. Prereq: None
J. Durant Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
STS.458 Science, Technology, and Human Rights (New) 3-0-9 units
Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall) Historical and contemporary studies are used to explore the
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered interaction of technology with social and political values. Emphasis
3-0-9 units on how technological devices, structures, and systems influence the
organization of society and the behavior of its members. Examples
Explores the relationship of science and technology to ideas about drawn from the technologies of war, transportation, communication,
human rights over time, including how science and technology production, and reproduction.
have been mobilized historically in the defense of human rights M. R. Smith
and to assist in the pursuit of truth and justice aer atrocity.
Discusses literature in history, anthropology, law, and related elds STS.463[J] Technocracy
to address how science and technology have historically shaped Same subject as 11.461[J]
understandings of human rights and the ways that human rights Prereq: None
frameworks have shaped the creation and use of scientic and G (Fall)
technological capabilities. Not oered regularly; consult department
E. Medina 3-0-9 units

STS.460 Histories of Information, Communication, and Survey of the history of eorts to apply scientic methods and
Computing Technologies technological tools to solve social and political problems, with
Prereq: None a focus on the United States since 1850. Topics include: city
G (Spring) planning, natural resource management, public education, economic
Not oered regularly; consult department development, quantication and modeling in the social and policy
3-0-9 units sciences, technology transfer, and political economies of expertise.
J. S. Light
Introduction to the historical study of information, communication,
and computing technologies with a focus on the United States. Pairs
analysis of a multidisciplinary reading list with in-depth discussions
of research methods and writing for academic publications. Later
weeks of the course adapt to student interests and are determined
by students in consultation with the instructor. Limited to 15.
J. S. Light

18   |   Science, Technology, and Society

 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.464 Computing from the Global South (New) STS.467[J] The History of Aviation
Prereq: None Same subject as 16.707[J]
G (Spring) Prereq: Permission of instructor
3-0-9 units Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
Examines the rise and development of computing technologies in 3-0-9 units
the global south. Surveys the eects of decolonization in the mid-
twentieth century on the imagination of computational technologies Reading course in the history of aviation, focusing on science and
in places such as South America, Africa, and Asia. Covers the failures technology and cultural and political context. Themes include: the
and defeats of postcolonial projects when faced with the challenge science of aeronautics, pilots and piloting, control systems and
of asymmetric access to global markets and capital. Identies electronics, engineering epistemology, infrastructure, industry,
contemporary forms of resistance and imaginations of innovation government and politics, evolution of aeronautics research, culture
that still endure and flourish in the global south, challenging and experience, automation and autonomy, role of MIT, literature
perspectives from the global north. and lm. Case studies of specic systems and engineering projects.
D. Banerjee Emphasis is on book-length texts, close reading, historical methods
of analyzing technological change. Study of social and political
STS.465[J] Research Seminar on Technology and the Work of the dimensions of engineering projects, examination of aviation
Future institutions. Students prepare weekly response papers to readings,
Same subject as 11.652[J] make extended presentations to class twice per semester, and
Prereq: None submit a nal research paper.
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered D. Mindell
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
3-0-9 units STS.468[J] Entrepreneurship in Aerospace and Mobility Systems
(New)
Examines the past, present and future of work from an Same subject as 16.445[J]
interdisciplinary perspective, drawing from the humanities, social Prereq: Permission of instructor
sciences, and cognitive science and engineering. Integrates Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
perspectives from history, philosophy, sociology, economics, Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
management, political science, brain and cognitive science and 3-0-9 units
other relevant literatures, creating a solid foundation from which to
interpret current public discourse on the subject. Discussion focuses See description under subject 16.445[J].
primarily on the US; comparative perspectives from other countries D. A. Mindell
incorporated into discussions and analysis. Limited to 15.
D. Mindell, E. B. Reynolds STS.471[J] Engineering Apollo: The Moon Project as a Complex
System
Same subject as 16.895[J]
Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
4-0-8 units

Detailed technical and historical exploration of the Apollo project

to fly humans to the moon and return them safely to Earth as an
example of a complex engineering system. Emphasizes how the
systems worked, the technical and social processes that produced
them, mission operations, and historical signicance. Guest lectures
by MIT-aliated engineers who contributed to and participated
in the Apollo missions. Students work in teams on a nal project
analyzing an aspect of the historical project to articulate and
synthesize ideas in engineering systems.
D. Mindell

Science, Technology, and Society   |   19

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.474[J] Art, Cra, Science STS.487 Foundations of Information Policy

Same subject as 21A.509[J] Subject meets with 6.805[J], STS.085[J]
Prereq: None Prereq: Permission of instructor
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered G (Fall)
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units
3-0-9 units
Credit cannot also be received for 21A.501[J], STS.074[J] Studies the growth of computer and communications technology and
the new legal and ethical challenges that reflect tensions between
See description under subject 21A.509[J]. individual rights and societal needs. Topics include computer crime;
H. Paxson intellectual property restrictions on soware; encryption, privacy,
and national security; academic freedom and free speech. Students
STS.477[J] Writing: Science, Technology, and Society meet and question technologists, activists, law enforcement agents,
Same subject as 21W.820[J] journalists, and legal experts. Instruction and practice in oral and
Prereq: 21H.991 written communication provided. Students taking graduate version
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered complete additional assignments. Enrollment limited.
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall) H. Abelson, R. David Edelman, M. Fischer, D. Weitzner
3-0-9 units
Special Subjects
Examination of dierent "voices" used to consider issues of
scientic, technological, and social concern. Students write STS.S91 Special Subject: Science, Technology and Society
frequently and choose among a variety of non-ction forms: Prereq: None
historical writing, social analysis, political criticism, and policy Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
reports. Instruction in expressing ideas clearly and in organizing a Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
thesis-length work. Reading and writing on three case studies drawn Units arranged
from the history of science; the cultural study of technology and Can be repeated for credit.
science; and policy issues.
K. Manning Addresses a special topic in Science, Technology and Society which
is not oered in the regular curriculum.
STS.482[J] Science, Technology, and Public Policy Sta
Same subject as 17.310[J], IDS.412[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor STS.S92 Special Subject: Science, Technology and Society
G (Spring) Prereq: None
4-0-8 units Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Credit cannot also be received for 17.309[J], IDS.055[J], STS.082[J] Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
Units arranged
See description under subject 17.310[J]. Can be repeated for credit.
K. Oye, N. Selin
Addresses subject matter in Science, Technology and Society that is
not oered in the regular curriculum.
Sta

Research and Teaching

STS.800 Teaching Science, Technology and Society

Prereq: None
G (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

For qualied graduate students serving as either a teaching assistant

or instructor for subjects in Science, Technology and Society (STS).
Enrollment limited by availability of suitable teaching assignments.
Sta

20   |   Science, Technology, and Society

 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

STS.840 HASTS Professional Perspective (New) STS.901-STS.904 Independent Study in Science, Technology,
Prereq: Permission of advisor and Society
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Prereq: Permission of instructor
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) G (Fall, Spring)
0-1-0 units Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.
Required for doctoral students in the doctoral program in History,
Anthropology, and Science, Technology and Society (HASTS) to For students who wish to pursue special studies or projects at an
explore and gain professional perspective through academic, non- advanced level with a faculty member of the Program in Science,
prot, government, or industry experiences. Professional perspective Technology, and Society.
options include, but are not limited to, internships, teacher training, Sta
professional development for entry into academia, or public
academic engagement. For an internship experience, an oer from STS.THG Graduate Thesis
a company or organization is required prior to enrollment. A written Prereq: Permission of instructor
narrative or report is required upon completion of the experience. G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Proposals subject to departmental approval in consultation with Units arranged
advisor. Can be repeated for credit.
Sta
Program of graduate research leading to the writing of a PhD thesis,
STS.850 Practical Experience in HASTS Fields to be arranged by the student with an appropriate MIT faculty
Prereq: None member, who is the thesis supervisor.
G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Sta
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

For HASTS students participating in curriculum-related o-campus

professional internship experiences. Before registering for this
subject, students must have an oer letter from a company or
organization and must receive written prior approval from their
advisor.  Upon completion of the experience, students must submit
a substantive nal report, approved by their advisor.  Subject to
departmental approval. Consult departmental graduate oce.
Permission of advisor.
Sta

STS.880 Proposal Writing in HASTS (New)

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

For students in the doctoral program in History, Anthropology, and

Science, Technology and Society (HASTS) who are working on their
dissertation proposal and/or research grant proposal program
requirement. Work is done in consultation with the student's advisor,
in accordance with the guidelines in the HASTS Student Handbook.
Restricted to HASTS PhD students.
Sta

Science, Technology, and Society   |   21