A re-developed Ecampus course gives students the opportunity to examine emerging technologies through a sociological lens
By Colin Bowyer, Communications Manager - March 5, 2025
Starting in spring term 2025, the School of Public Policy will be offering a new baccalaureate core course online via Ecampus, titled Science and Technology in a Social Context (SOC 456). Last offered in 2018, the updated curriculum will introduce students to sociological dimensions to technology.
“Science and technology play a tremendous role in shaping modern society,” said Professor of Sociology and Public Policy Dr. Hilary Boudet, co-instructor of the course. “Technology, particularly A.I., is developing rapidly in front of our eyes and is now touching people on a personal, everyday basis. This was the perfect time to re-develop the course and have a social science component to explore technology’s connections through society”
The 4-credit course features research and interviews with scholars from multiple disciplines at OSU on topics covering new media, artificial intelligence, philosophy, race, gender, energy production, and environmental policy. The goal is for students to build an interdisciplinary understanding of technology’s societal implications, apply new concepts to emerging issues, and analyze the impact of techno-science on society.
“Though the course is housed in the School of Public Policy, we welcome student perspectives and contributions from a variety of academic backgrounds,” said Waseq Billah, Ph.D. student and co-instructor with Boudet. “Students will learn the social implications of innovations and we hope each student will bring something to the table in terms of their own personal experiences or technical knowledge about science and technology.”
A special contributor to the course is Dr. Ruha Benjamin, the Alexander Stewart 1886 Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University. Benjamin, who specializes in the interdisciplinary study of science, medicine, and technology, will cover the diversity, equity, and inclusion-perspective of the course and how our inherent biases influence technological development.
“We’re very fortunate to have had Dr. Benjamin sit down with us for an interview for the class,” said Boudet. “She brings such a unique perspective as a scholar exploring the relationship between innovation and social inequity, which will complement the other topics perfectly.”
Science and Technology in a Social Context (SOC 456) will begin to be offered via Ecampus during spring term, starting in 2025.