Program Overview

Science and Technology Studies (STS)

The Science and Technology Studies (STS) program at the University of WisconsinMadison offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersections between science, technology, and society. This interdisciplinary field of study examines the social, cultural, and historical contexts of scientific and technological developments.

Course Offerings

The STS program includes a range of courses that provide students with a deep understanding of the complex relationships between science, technology, and society. Some of the courses offered include:

• STS 201 WHERE SCIENCE MEETS SOCIETY: An overview of science and technology studies, exploring the social dimensions of recent advances in areas such as genetics, environment, Internet, surveillance, and nanotechnology.
• STS 699 DIRECTED STUDY: Advanced directed study projects as arranged with a faculty member, requiring completion of STS 201.
• STS/CURRIC 733 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WITH SCIENCE: Examines the influence of science in everyday life, providing both academic context and a firsthand look at how science matters to people who are not themselves scientists.
• STS/CURRIC 734 SCIENCE STUDIES AND SCIENCE EDUCATION: Examination of the key ideas from the field of science and technology studies and how they have been taken up in both the school science curriculum and the science education research community.
• STS 901 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE IN SOCIETY: Explores key themes, issues, and scholarship in the interdisciplinary fields of science and technology studies.
• STS 902 CURRENT TOPICS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES: Key themes, issues, and scholarship in the interdisciplinary field of science and technology studies, with participating faculty and speakers from the social sciences, humanities, and physical and life sciences.
• STS 903 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES: An interdisciplinary exploration of one or more high-profile issues motivated by debate and discussion among science and technology studies scholars.
• STS 999 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES: Independent study as arranged with a faculty member, with topics, readings, assignments, and meetings outlined in a student-faculty "contract."

Learning Outcomes

The STS program is designed to provide students with a range of skills and knowledge, including the ability to:

1. Identify and critique common claims about the importance and value of science literacy, public understanding of science, and public engagement with science.
2. Describe the different ways in which researchers have attempted to measure and otherwise evaluate science literacy.
3. Understand and recognize the implications of social and cultural forces that shape particular episodes of public engagement with science.
4. Describe and discuss the complex relevance of science in one particular public setting.
5. Discuss the merits and challenges associated with common strategies for improving public engagement with science through formal education, museums, and sponsored outreach activities.

Course Designations and Credits

Each course in the STS program has specific designations and credits, including:

• STS 201: 3 credits, Breadth - Either Humanities or Social Science, Level - Intermediate, L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S.
• STS 699: 1-3 credits, Level - Intermediate, L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S.
• STS/CURRIC 733: 3 credits, Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement.
• STS/CURRIC 734: 3 credits, Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement.
• STS 901: 3 credits, Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement.
• STS 902: 1 credit, Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement.
• STS 903: 3 credits, Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement.
• STS 999: 1-6 credits, Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement.

Repeatable for Credit

Some courses in the STS program are repeatable for credit, including:

• STS 699: Yes, unlimited number of completions.
• STS 902: Yes, unlimited number of completions.
• STS 903: Yes, unlimited number of completions.
• STS 999: Yes, unlimited number of completions.

Last Taught

The last taught dates for each course in the STS program are:

• STS 201: Spring 2025.
• STS 699: Spring 2020.
• STS/CURRIC 733: Spring 2024.
• STS/CURRIC 734: Spring 2023.
• STS 901: Spring 2025.
• STS 902: Fall 2025.
• STS 903: Spring 2024.
• STS 999: Fall 2022.