Science and Technology Studies

The undergraduate minor in Science and Technology Studies is formed around interdisciplinary approaches to the analysis of the social, cultural, and political contexts in which science and technology occur.

Areas of inquiry include: the history and philosophy of science, changes to science and technology over time, and how science works in contemporary contexts; media, design and communication and their relationship with science, including media representations of science; social studies of science and technology, focusing on the use of qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the practice and impact of science and technology. Students acquire an understanding of how science and technology are shaped by social, cultural and political conditions, both historically and in the present and in turn, how science and technology also affect the social, cultural and political contexts of which they are a part. They gain proficiency in applying quantitative and qualitative methods to the study of science and technology; they compare the uses of science and technology and become conversant in the fundamental debates in science and technology studies.

Minor

• Minor in Science and Technology Studies

Science and Technology Studies does not currently offer an academic program at the graduate level.

Directors

Cymene Howe, Anthropology
Elizabeth Petrick, History

Undergraduate Advisors

Luis Campos, History
Cymene Howe, Anthropology
Elizabeth Petrick, History

Steering Committee

Luis Campos, History
Ilana Gershon, Anthropology
Cymene Howe, Anthropology
Elizabeth Petrick, History
Kamala Visweswaran, Anthropology

For Rice University degree-granting programs:
To view the list of official course offerings, please see Rice’s Course Catalog
To view the most recent semester’s course schedule, please see Rice's Course Schedule

Description and Code Legend

Note: Internally, the university uses the following descriptions, codes, and abbreviations for this academic program. The following is a quick reference: 

Course Catalog/Schedule

• Course offerings/subject code: Courses from various subjects may apply towards this program

Department (or Program) Description and Code

• Science and Technology Studies: STSM

Undergraduate Minor Description and Code 

• Minor in Science and Technology Studies: STSM

CIP Code and Description¹

• STSM Minor: CIP Code/Title: 30.1501 - Science, Technology and Society