College(Interdeptmnt) Courses 224 - Being Human in STEM

This interactive course combines academic inquiry and community engagement to investigate the theme of diversity and climate within STEM fields. We will begin by examining the ways in which cultural norms, hierarchies, and practices within the STEM disciplines shape our experiences in the field and lab and the ways in which our diverse identities, commitments, and histories shape how we engage with STEM. How are others--and how are we--challenging and changing STEM disciplines, cultures, and practices and fostering abilities to be fully human in STEM? We accomplish this by investigating the ideas and actions of those who are changing how scientific knowledge is constructed and who is allowed to engage in that work. We will then build on this foundation, engaging closely with resources and sites at Mount Holyoke or nearby to develop projects that further contribute to this endeavor. Coursework includes weekly readings, reflective writing, creative projects, and in-class discussions and culminates in a public presentation of our collective work.

Course not available to first-years in their first semester.