Science, Technology and Society
About Science, Technology and Society
Our Program and Courses
Science, Technology and Society is an innovative program at F&M that investigates the nature of science and technology, the history and philosophy of science, and how science, technology and human society interconnect. The program is specially designed to offer you distinctive opportunities to take control of your education and customize your experience to your learning goals.
Joint Major in Science, Technology and Society
You can major in Science, Technology and Society by combining the field with another discipline. Examples include:
- Science, Technology and Society & Biology
- Science, Technology and Society & Environmental Studies
- Science, Technology and Society & Government
- Science, Technology and Society & Psychology
- Science, Technology and Society & Public Health
Minors in Science, Technology and Society
The Science, Technology and Society program at F&M offers three distinct minors: History and Philosophy of Science, Medicine in Society, and Science and Society.
History and Philosophy of Science
This minor blends Science, Technology and Society with philosophy and history. You’ll
study science revolutions, the history of medicine, environmental history, philosophy
of natural science, the Darwinian revolution, astronomy of ancient cultures, nuclear
technologies, occult science and pseudoscience, how the boundaries of science are
policed, climate change denial, and more.
Medicine in Society
Combining Science, Technology and Society with biology, public health, psychology,
and more, this minor examines the role of medicine in society and provides understanding
of epidemics, pandemics and the ecology of disease. You’ll take courses in the principles
of evolution, ecology and heredity; genetics; biostatistics; microbiology; biomedical
ethics; history of medicine; the history and philosophy of psychology; and more.
Science and Society
Examine science in society through a multifaceted lens of Science, Technology and
Society and government, economics, sociology, and more. You’ll study science revolutions,
nuclear technologies, the environment and human values, biomedical ethics, political
research, the Darwinian revolution, environmental history, government burning of scientific
books, denial of climate science, anti-vaccine activism, and more.
Curious what Science, Technology and Society classes are like? Take a look at our course catalog to see what’s available to you.
Learning Outside the Classroom
You’ll have ample opportunities to learn outside the confines of the classroom. With
F&M’s many research and study-abroad opportunities, you’ll find a variety of inspiring
ways to take what you’ve learned and apply it to the world around you.
Off-Campus Study
Off-campus study — internationally and in the U.S. — is highly encouraged. Students
minoring in Science, Technology and Society have studied in Chile, France, and Denmark.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Research Opportunities
Every student at F&M has extraordinary opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led
research.
Explore research at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
Speaker Spotlight
How the Myth of the "Free Market" Blocks Climate Change Action
Science, Technology and Society at F&M hosts expert speakers who add depth and breadth
to our students' understanding of important, timely issues. Recently, we hosted Naomi
Oreskes, Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor
of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University. Oreskes discussed her most
recent book, "The Big Myth: How American Business Taught us to Loathe Government and
Love the Free Market." An internationally renowned scientist, historian, and public
intellectual, Oreskes is a leading voice on the reality of anthropogenic climate change
and the history of anti-scientific disinformation.
Watch a recording of the event »Faculty Spotlight
Seeking ‘Intersection of Science and Society’
Whether he’s leading ornithology studies in Latin America or Lancaster, the impact
of Franklin & Marshall Professor of Biology Dan Ardia’s research is palpable. “The
big question I'm interested in is how organisms respond to environmental change –
and I do that in a lot of different ways,” said Ardia. “I'm also really interested
in the intersection of science and society.”
Read More »
Related Fields of Study
Biology
The biological sciences expand and advance frontiers of knowledge about all forms of life. From molecules to ecosystems, from oceans to deserts, from the distant past to present day, biology gives you insights into other species, ourselves, and our world.
Public Health
Do you want to explore the fascinating connections between science and government? Study public health at F&M and challenge assumptions and structures as you develop a deep moral intelligence surrounding public health around the globe.
Public Policy
Government, economy, and society are increasingly reliant upon one another for ensuring the well-being of a community. When you study public policy at F&M, you’ll explore the methods and institutions through which governments, economies, and societies work together to support, regulate, protect, and communicate with diverse communities.
Science, Technology and Society in Action
April 7, 2023
Observing Disability Everywhere
At F&M’s Phillips Museum of Art, students in the course "Narratives of Disability” examined photographs depicting or associated with disability and later they viewed works created by artists with disabilities displayed in an upstairs gallery. "It is a special event because the students will use the knowledge developed during the course to interpret these rare images we have on campus," said Marco Di Giulio, associate professor of Hebrew Language and Literature. "Disability is everywhere once we begin to look for it."
November 11, 2022
F&M Compost Co-Op Diverts Costs and CO2 in Lancaster
A Franklin & Marshall College compost initiative has evolved into a co-op saving the City of Lancaster $5,215 per year — all while diverting 16,638 pounds of food waste from the solid-waste stream each month. The Lancaster Composting Co-Ops (LCC) are a volunteer-led, community initiative enabling Lancaster residents to reduce household food waste by creating high-quality compost. Three students spent their summer evaluating and co-authoring a white paper documenting the LCC's first year in terms of cost savings and social impact.