CPSP 227

Sophomores enroll in the 3-credit Capstone course, Issues in Science, Technology and Society, which counts as a CORE SB course. This course is available in the Fall or Spring of the sophomore year. Enrollment is capped at 20 to provide opportunity for discussion and debate, and to enable faculty to support each student's independent research for the Capstone term paper.

During the first part of the course, students learn key analytical terms and topical areas in the discipline of STS, and they practice research and writing skills. During the second part of the course, students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, producing a formal poster, illustrated oral presentation, and 12-page term paper. Students are encouraged to present their posters at Undergraduate Research Day, and are required to present their posters at the annual Scholars Academic Showcase.

Students have chosen to write their papers about a variety of topics about interactions among science, technology and society. Recent examples include the HPV vaccine, military research in nanotechnology, toilets in Japan and the U.S., stem cell research, and hybrid or electric vehicles.

In the Fall 2008 semester, Thomas Zeller, professor in the History Department, will teach Sec. 0101 that meets Tuesday/Thursday at 9:30-10:45am; the course content will focus on STS and the environment. J. Rosser Matthews will teach Sec. 0102 that meets Thuesday/Thursday at 12:30-1:45pm; the course content will focus on STS and computers. Each instructor will permit students to write their Capstone term papers on topics of their choice. Both sections are held in CCC 1105.