g4:Understanding Techno-scientific Controversy

Catalog description

This science and technology studies course challenges students to think more carefully and critically about technoscientificenvironmental problems and controversies, such as climate change, vaccine hesitancy, genetic engineering, pharmaceuticaldrugs, and nuclear energy. Students will examine the cognitive, cultural, economic, ethical, political, and communicativeroots of disagreement, learning to recognize that these issues are not solved by presenting a “balanced view” of both sidesor by simply informing “ignorant” opponents. Students will apply these thinking skills in order to develop more productiveand empathic solutions to tenacious and highly polarized public conflicts.