Science, Technology and Public Policy

Catalog description

The overarching course objective is for students to understand the roles of science and technology in sustainable development, including public policy formation and implementation. The course consists of three parts. Part 1 is an introduction to how science has become such a powerful form of knowledge and how it informs public policy. The role of politics, skeptical scientists, media, and citizens on the science-policy interface are discussed as well. Part II deals in depth with theoretical concepts explaining the complex relationship between science, technology, and public policy. In part III we will discuss how researchers, policymakers and the 'public' can nevertheless work together to find solutions to actual sustainability problems. It is expected that after completing this course, students can critically review the factors which shape and constrain the use of science and policy in addressing pressing issues in their field of interest in an academic fashion.