Ethics Inside the Black Box: Integrating Science and Technology Studies into Engineering and Public Policy Curricula

Area of Science:

• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Science and Technology Studies (STS)
• Engineering Education
• Policy Education

Background:

• Growing demand for hybrid curricula integrating constructivist Science and Technology Studies (STS) into engineering and policy.
• Existing programs often lack constructivist elements, leaving practitioners unprepared for societal and ethical technology implications.
• Institutional and disciplinary barriers hinder the implementation of such integrated curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel format for interdisciplinary coursework combining STS concepts with engineering and policy training.
• To facilitate co-learning between instructors and disciplines through team-teaching.
• To introduce instruments supporting collaborative learning for both students and instructors.

Main Methods:

• Designing a versatile, modular coursework format adaptable to various technical and policy environments.
• Emphasizing team-teaching with instructors from diverse fields.
• Incorporating conceptual STS content with practical engineering and policy training.

Main Results:

• The proposed format addresses the need for constructivist elements in technical and policy education.
• It offers a flexible structure for integrating diverse topics like biotech and nuclear security.
• Instruments are provided to enhance collaborative learning among students and faculty.

Conclusions:

• This novel format offers a viable solution for implementing constructivist STS principles in engineering and policy education.
• It enhances practitioners' ability to critically analyze technology's societal impact and engage with the public.
• The modular and adaptable design supports diverse programmatic needs and resources.