STS 1010
Survey of Science and
Technology in Society
Section 041
June 24-Aug. 3, 2020
Instructor:
Prof. Pamela E. Mack
preferred form of address: Prof. Mack or Dr. Mack
E-mail: pammack@clemson.edu
first choice for communication is Canvas email
rather than fixed office hours you are encouraged to contact me
with some date and time suggestions and we will set up a
conversation on Zoom or the phone
this syllabus on the web: http://pammack.sites.clemson.edu/sylSTS1010summer20.html
Note: syllabus subject to change; changes will be reflected in
Canvas LMS
Course Description: Surveys historical, philosophical, and social studies
of science, introduces the basic requisites for scientific and
technological literacy, and considers the problems of
responsible participation in a scientifically and
technologically advanced society.
Course Learning Objectives and Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students
should be able to
- Provide details of the inception, development,
and reception of scientific and technological case studies
- Research examples and apply ethical concepts
learned in the course to those examples
- Analyze and critique arguments concerning the
function and significance of scientific and technological
ideas in political and social contexts
- Explain and analyze ways in which society is
affected by science and technology, and vice versa
- Formulate logical, well-supported arguments
about topics related to science and technology in society
Successful completion of the course will meet the
Science and Technology in Society General Education Competency:
"Demonstrate an understanding of issues created by the complex
interactions among science, technology, and society."
And also the non-literature humanities competency:
"Students will analyze, interpret, and employ aesthetic, ethical,
linguistic, and/or philosophical discourse in relevant contexts."
(This course will work with ethical and philosophical ideas)
Required materials and technology:
- Be able to read and view articles and videos
provided through Internet links or in Canvas, using a VPN if
necessary
- Have reliable internet access daily (M-F)
throughout the duration of the summer session
- Be able to use Canvas to write assignments and
upload files from a word processor
- Be able to participate in Zoom meetings once a
week at a time to be arranged to be as convenient as possible
to all
- For technical assistance with the online
course site, students should contact ithelp@clemson.edu or
visit CCIT's website: (http://www.clemson.edu/ccit/help_support/).
Course Requirements:
This course will use contract grading. That means that you
pick how much work you want to do for the grade you want to
receive. If you do that work in a satisfactory manner, you
are guaranteed that grade. Satisfactory is defined below and in
the assignments and will be indicated in feedback, but in general
work done for an A grade will be considered unsatisfactory if in
another course I would give that work a grade of C or below. Note
that the Canvas grading system cannot handle contract grading, so
you will not see a reliable average in Canvas, though I will grade
assignments to suggest what grade they are satisfactory for.
For an A:
- write five reflections, each 3+ double spaced
pages and following assignment directions
- write a final paper with 5+ double-spaced pages of text about a topic
you select. Your paper should have at least 8 worthwhile
sources, an argument stated in the introduction and flowing
logically from paragraph to paragraph (clear in the topic
sentences), and be supported by strong evidence. Contact Prof.
Mack if you would be interested in doing a historical podcast
instead.
- at least 8 discussion board posts following
assignment directions, and 4 additional posts that are
responses to other people's posts (on the Canvas discussion
board or Flipgrid)
- participate in weekly Zoom classes unless excused because of scheduling or internet
issues
- work is turned in on time almost always unless
an extension is requested in advance
For a B:
- write five
reflections, each 3+ double spaced pages and following
assignment directions
- at least 8 discussion
posts (on Canvas, Perusal, or Flipgrid) following assignment
directions
- participate in at least three of the weekly
Zoom classes unless excused because of scheduling or internet
issues
- work is turned in on time or in some cases one
to two days late, but no later than Aug. 3
For a C:
- write four out of five of the assigned
reflections, each at least 2+ pages and following assignment
directions
- at least 5 discussion board
posts (on Canvas, Perusal, or Flipgrid)
following assignment directions
- participate in at least one Zoom class (first
recommended) unless excused
- Turn in at least one assignment each week
(weeks start on Tuesday) and all the work listed above is
turned in by Aug. 3
- Any student who has not turned in two
assignments by July 6 will be dropped from the course
Accessibility: If
any course material or assignments pose a special problem for you
because of the format or because of your access to technology,
please let the professor know as soon as possible. I know some
people rely on captions or a screen reader even without an
official disability and I am willing to provide alternative
assignments.
Academic Integrity: This course takes the university's
academic integrity policy very seriously (see university policy
below). In particular, in this course the definition of
plagiarism includes both representing someone else's work as your
own and handing in the same paper to two different courses without
permission of both instructors. You may re-use your exact words
(according to the plagiarism standard below) from work done for
this course but not from any other course. Be careful to avoid
plagiarism--text you take from a web site, from a book, or from
online class notes must be either quoted with the source given or
restated almost entirely in your own words, with the source
given. The catalog defines as one form of academic
dishonesty: "Plagiarism, which includes the intentional or
unintentional copying of language, structure, or ideas of another
and attributing the work to one’s own efforts." Note the
word unintentional--if you forget to put quote marks or a
reference you can be found guilty of academic dishonesty even if
it was not your intention to cheat.
It is cheating to cut and paste or otherwise copy portions of a
reflection, paper or discussion board posting from a book, web
site, or from online class notes provided by the professor, unless
you quote and give the source. Changing a few words is not
sufficient to make the material your own. It is poor writing for
more than about 20% of your paper to consist of quotes. In
most cases when you use specific material from any source you
should paraphrase: cite the source and put the ideas into you own
words (generally no more than 7 consecutive words should match the
source but if the words are mostly the same it could still be
plagiarism even if there aren't 7 consecutive words).
Academic Help: The Academic Success Center has
created a space in Canvas that is like a virtual version of
the 3rd floor the Library - a place for you to meet in study
groups or to discuss course content! Peer Learning Consultants are
available for over 40 hours per week to support group study
sessions and to suggest effective learning strategies. Access the
LearningLab from the ASC
homepage and click the orange box for “View LearningLab
Schedule.” The ASC also supports online tutoring and Peer-Assisted
Learning. Their schedules are also available from the ASC
homepage.
Schedule:
see Canvas for links to assignments
online readings and videos (to be specified while the course is
running) and discussion board posts will usually be due at least
three days a week
note that due times are as counted by
Canvas--Eastern Daylight time
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Survey 1:
Zoom
Quiz
Can't
unpublish Survey 1: Zoom if there are student
submissions
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2.1 Mistrust
of Science
Assignment
Jul 1
5 pts
ViewMust view
in order to complete this module item
Can't
unpublish 2.1 Mistrust of Science if there are
student submissions
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2.2 science
examples
Discussion Topic
Can't
unpublish 2.2 science examples if there are student
submissions
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week 3 notes
Page
Published. Click to
unpublish week 3 notes.
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3.1 Progress
Discussion Topic
Can't
unpublish 3.1 Progress if there are student
submissions
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3.2
Technology and jobs discussion
Discussion Topic
Jul 10
5 pts
ViewMust view
in order to complete this module item
Can't unpublish 3.2
Technology and jobs discussion if there are student
submissions
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Week 4 notes
Page
Published. Click to
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For an A:
Paper topic: four sources
Assignment
Jul 14
5 pts
ViewMust view
in order to complete this module item
Can't unpublish For an
A: Paper topic: four sources if there are student
submissions
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4.1
Determinism
Assignment
Can't
unpublish 4.1 Determinism if there are student
submissions
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4.2.
Driverless Cars
Assignment
Can't
unpublish 4.2. Driverless Cars if there are student
submissions
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Week 5 notes
Page
Published. Click to
unpublish Week 5 notes.
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5.1 control
Discussion Topic
Can't
unpublish 5.1 control if there are student
submissions
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Final Survey
Quiz
Can't
unpublish Final Survey if there are student
submissions
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University Policies
Student Accessibility Services
Clemson University values the diversity of our
student body as a strength and a critical component of our
dynamic community. Students with disabilities or temporary
injuries/conditions may require accommodations due to barriers
in the structure of facilities, course design, technology used
for curricular purposes, or other campus resources. Students who
experience a barrier to full access to this class should let the
professor know, and make an appointment to meet with a staff
member in Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible.
You can make an appointment by calling 864-656-6848, by emailing
studentaccess@lists.clemson.edu, or by visiting Suite 239 in the
Academic Success Center building. Appointments are strongly
encouraged – drop-ins will be seen if at all possible, but there
could be a significant wait due to scheduled appointments.
Students who receive Academic Access Letters are strongly
encouraged to request, obtain and present these to their
professors as early in the semester as possible so that
accommodations can be made in a timely manner. It is the
student’s responsibility to follow this process each semester.
You can access further information at the Student
Accessibility Services Website and the Office
of Access and Equity Website.
Email Policy / Response Time
Clemson does not provide me with a phone; email is
my preferred method of contact for university business. You can
expect a response to your email inquiries within 36 hours,
excluding weekends and university holidays.
Copyright
All materials found in this course are strictly
for the use of students enrolled in this course and for purposes
associated with this course; they may not be retained or further
disseminated. Clemson students, faculty, and staff are expected
to comply fully with institutional copyright policy as well as
all other copyright laws.
Privacy Policy
Because privacy regulations
stipulate that faculty and staff communicate with students
through authorized University channels, use your University
email account or Canvas's messaging system to contact me. This course is
designed with your privacy in mind. If, however, you feel that
an assignment or technology tool undermines your right to
privacy or is uncomfortable for you personally, please contact
me immediately. We will work together to determine an
alternative assignment that will help you achieve the course
learning outcomes.
Online Conduct
Appropriate online academic conduct means
maintaining a safe learning environment based on mutual respect
and civility. All participants in Clemson courses are expected
to behave professionally by adhering to these standards of
conduct:
- Never
transmit or promote content known to be illegal
- Respect other people's
privacy as well as your own
- Forgive other people's
mistakes
- Never use harassing,
threatening, embarrassing, or abusive language or actions
Online communication that fails to meet these
standards of conduct will be removed from the course. Repeated
misconduct may result in being blocked from online discussions,
receiving a grade penalty, or being dismissed from the course.
Such misconduct in the online environment may also be reported
to officials for appropriate action in accordance with
University policy. If you ever encounter inappropriate content
in our course, please contact me with your concerns.
Academic Integrity
As members of the Clemson University community, we
have inherited Thomas Green Clemson's vision of this institution
as a "high seminary of learning." Fundamental to this vision is
a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility,
without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others.
Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from
the value of a Clemson degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate
lying, cheating, or stealing in any form.
A simple definition of plagiarism is when someone
presents another person's words, visuals, or ideas as his or her
own. See the first section of the syllabus for specifics on how
this is defined in this course. The instructor will deal with
plagiarism on a case-by-case basis. I will use, at my
discretion, the Plagiarism Resolution Form. All infractions of
academic dishonesty will be reported to Undergraduate Studies
for resolution through that office.
See the Undergraduate
Academic Integrity Policy website for additional
information about academic integrity at Clemson.
Academic Grievances
Students are advised to visit the Ombuds'
Office prior to filing a grievance. After discussion with
the undergraduate academic ombudsman, students should contact
Undergraduate Studies (656-3022) for assistance filing official
paperwork.
Non-Discrimination
Clemson University is committed to providing a
higher education environment that is free from sexual
discrimination. Therefore, if you believe you or someone else
that is part of the Clemson University community has been
discriminated against based on sex, or if you have questions
about Title IX, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Alesia
Smith, who also serves as the Executive Director of Equity
Compliance, at 110 Holtzendorff Hall, 864-656-3181 (voice) or
864-656-0899 (TDD). The Title IX Coordinator is the person
designated by Clemson University to oversee its Title IX
compliance efforts. Please consult the
University's Title IX policy for full details.
Student Support Services
- Academic
Success Center: The Academic Success Center provides
free services, including tutoring, academic coaching, and
academic skills workshops, for all Clemson students. Visit the
Academic Success Center
website for more information on their services and
workshops.
- Writing
Center: Clemson University’s Writing Center offers free
one-on-one tutoring for all Clemson students. Visit the Writing Center's
website for more information about their services or to
make an appointment.
- Cooper
Library: Reference librarians are available in person
and via text, phone, email, and chat to answer your research
questions. Visit Ask
a Librarian for more information or to get in touch with
a librarian.
- Technical
Support: If you are having hardware or software
problems, CCIT's Service Desk may be able to help you. Visit
the help desk on the second level of the library or contact
them at ITHELP@clemson.edu
with a detailed description of your problem.
- Academic
Advising: Academic
advising is an ongoing educational process that connects
the student to the University. Academic advising supports the
University's mission of preparing the student for learning
beyond the confines of the academy. Academic advisors
represent and interpret University policies and procedures to
the student and help the student navigate the academic and
organizational paths of the institution.
- Registrar:
The Registrar's
office provides information about important deadlines,
degree and program requirements, and other key information,
including use of iROAR to add, drop, or withdraw from
courses.
- Food/housing
insecurity: Any student who has difficulty affording
groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or
who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this
may affect their performance in the course, is urged to
contact the Dean of Students for support. The Clemson Paw
Pantry is also a resource for food and hygienic supplies.
Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are
comfortable in doing so.
This page written and copyright © Pamela E. Mack
Send me e-mail at:
Pammack@clemson.edu
For my other pages see: PEM Index
Page
last updated 6/22/2020