Specialization
Science, Technology and Society specialization
What is the Science, Technology and Society specialization?
Science, Technology and Society is an interdisciplinary field of study that explores the complex and dynamic relationships between science, technology, and society. It explores how scientific discoveries, technological innovations and their applications impact our society, culture, politics, ethics, and everyday lives.
How can I apply?
Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.
Note: Students intending to take Science courses as part of their Liberal Studies program are strongly recommended to have Advanced Functions (MHF4U), and two of Biology (SBI4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U) or Physics (SPH4U).
To learn more about the admissions process and apply, visit our Undergraduate Admissions website.
Experiential Learning: Internships, Practicums, and Community Engagement
To learn more about the Science, Technology and Society Specialization program’s experiential learning opportunities (e.g., the practicum, the internship, and community engagement projects), check out the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities’ Experiential Learning Office.
What courses will I take?
Degree and major requirements:
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Liberal Studies, students must meet both the degree requirements and requirements of the major as outlined below for a total of 120 credits.
Required first-year courses for all Bachelor of Arts students in Liberal Studies (18 credit hours):
COMM 1100U – Introduction to Communication and Digital Media Studies
CRMN 1000U – Introduction to Criminology and Justice
LGLS 1000U – Foundations of Legal Studies
POSC 1000U – Introduction to Political Science
PSYC 1000U – Introductory Psychology
SSCI 1910U – Writing for the Social Sciences
Liberal Studies major [102 credit hours]:
Students are required to complete at minimum 36 credit hours of 3000- and 4000-level courses (and at maximum 42 credit hours of 1000-level courses). That leaves 54 credit hours for 2000-, 3000-, and 4000-level courses to be completed in second, third and fourth years. Students are also required to complete four electives in first year.
Note: LBAT 2000U – Introduction to Liberal Studies should be completed in the second year of study. LBAT 4000U – Liberal Studies Capstone must be completed in fourth year.
In addition to LBAT 4000U, students are required to complete at least one other 4000-level course, one Faculty of Social Science and Humanities methodology course, and at least one humanities course offered in another Faculty of Social Science and Humanities program.
Total [120 credit hours]
Liberal Studies major with Science, Technology and Society specialization [30 credit hours]:
SSCI 1470U – Impact of Science and Technology on Society
COMM 2410U – Social History of Communication and Media Technologies
ENVS 2010U – Introductory Environment Science
LBAT 2414U – Science Fiction and Society
One of:
POSC 1200U – Introduction to Democracy in Theory & Practice
SOCI 1000U – Introductory Sociology
SSCI 1300U – Social Problems
One of:
INDG 2500U – Two-Eyed Seeing in the Natural Sciences
INDG 3310U – Indigenous Peoples, Sustainability and Development: A Global Perspective
One of:
COMM 3350U – Environmental Communication: Media and Tech for Sustainability
One of:
LGLS 3510U – Censorship and Freedom of Expression
LGLS 3520U – Law and Technology
One of:
COMM 4420U – Political Communication, Digital Media and Democracy
COMM 4710U – Global Media, the Internet and International Relations
POSC 3700U – Technology, Politics and Social Theory
POSC 3751U – Media, War and Conflict
SSCI 4101U and SSCI 4102U Honours Thesis I and II:
In order to be considered for the Honours Thesis I, students must apply during their sixth semester to begin their Honours Thesis I in semester seven. The course application must include a detailed statement of intent outlining the methodology, theoretical significance and the projected timelines for completion of the project. To proceed to Honours Thesis II, a student must have successfully completed Honours Thesis I with a minimum A-minus and prepare a written statement outlining the projected timelines for completion of the project.
Please note: only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the Honours Thesis. Consent is required from both the instructor and the dean.
