The intersection of science and our society has led to legal and ethical issues in which we all play a part. To support development of scientific literacy, college science courses need to engage students in difficult dialogues around ethical issues. We describe a new course, Stem Cells and Society, in which students explore the basic biology of…

Discusses the use of Kranzberg's Laws in a history of technology course at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Lists the Laws and describes how certain reference materials are used in the course. (TW)

Discussed is the linkage between science, technology, and religious ideas. Tillich's continuum of existentialism, philosophy, and theology and his concepts of the multidimensional unity of life have been used to develop a technology and religion course. Included are the core ethic and basic tenets for STS education. (KR)

Describes the set up, organization, structure, and evaluation of an interdisciplinary course on science, technology, and needs of society. (PR)

Presented is the position that the only goal for nonscience majors is scientific literacy, and that this goal can only be achieved through separate science courses for nonmajors. Two approaches to accomplish this and some issues of concern are examined. (KR)

This syllabus describes the course objective, examinations and grading, term papers and class presentation, and references. Provides a table of assignments and schedule describing topics and contents. (YP)

Describes a course for discovering whether rapid technological development can be compatible with a set of traditional cultural values. Outlines the background, summary, assignments, and lessons used in the course. Provides a course syllabus, schedule of assignments, and sample essay examination questions. (YP)

Describes a one-semester course in environmental chemistry for students who have had a full year of introductory level chemistry. Illustrates how material from this upper-level course was integrated into a general chemistry course. Examples of content are provided. (CW)

Describes a course offered at Manhattan College which examines some of the ethical problems particular to the field of engineering. Considers religious perspectives on the nature of work and technology. Places special emphasis on case studies. (TW)

Describes a course offered at California Polytechnic State University which is intended to acquaint students with broad value topics concerning science and technology, especially problems and opportunities technologies raise in social, political, economic, and physical environments. (TW)

Describes a course taught at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in which the process of technological change along with cultural and societal responses to these changes are explored. Includes a thematic course outline and the list of course requirements. (TW)

Describes how the "Ascent of Man" television series serves as a basis for discussion with nonscience honors students in an undergraduate course at Michigan State University. Explains the format, major themes, and system of evaluation of the course. Presents samples of topics, suggested reading, and the "Ascent of Man" film…

This is the outline of a course designed to explore the complex interrelationships between science, technology and society. Units include: an introduction to the nature of science; exploration of the scientific method and its limitations; impact of science on learning; development of a technological society; and selected topics of modern science.…

Describes using the course question: "How does chemistry (or biology) impact my personal life and society?" This course question is presented to students and forms the basis of the final exam. Students evaluate a current-events article using the question as a framework. Students explore the relationship between chemistry (or biology) and their…

The paper presents a teaching regime and evaluation criteria for a general education course in biology. The purpose of the course is to provide students with biological information to help them understand problems facing humans and some of the social and ethical aspects of these problems. Using input from students concerning what constitutes a…