Science, Technology and Society
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:
To learn more about the Science, Technology and Society Specialization program’s experiential learning opportunities (e.g., Co-op, 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, General (Honours) degree, students must meet both the degree requirements and requirements of the major as outlined below for a total of 120 credits.
Required courses for all Bachelor of Arts, General students (12 credit hours)
SSCI 1910U Writing for the Social Sciences
LBAT 2000U Introduction to Liberal Studies
One of:
COMM 2210U Researching Communication and Digital Culture
LGLS 2940U Legal Research Methods
PSYC 2900U Research Methods in Psychology
SSCI 2900U Research Methods
One of:
LBAT 4000U Liberal Studies Capstone
SSCI 4005U Independent Study
Bachelor of Arts, General major with Science, Technology and Society specialization [108 credit hours]
SSCI 1470U Impact of Science and Technology on Society
One 3000- or 4000-level course
Ten of:
ENVS 1000U Environmental Science
INDG 1000U Introduction to Indigenous Studies: Colonial History and its Impacts on Indigenous Peoples
SSCI 1210U History of Science and Technology
COMM 2410U Social History of Communication and Media Technologies
INDG 2200U Indigenous Digital and Visual Media
INDG 2500U Two-Eyed Seeing in the Natural Sciences
LGLS 2500U Information and Privacy Law
LBAT 2413U Science Communication: Media for creative, fun, and effective STEM communication
LBAT 2414U Science Fiction and Society
COMM 3350U Environmental Communication: Media and Tech for Sustainability
INDG 3310U Indigenous Peoples, Sustainability and Development: A Global Perspective
LGLS 3510U Censorship and Freedom of Expression
LGLS 3520U Law and Technology
POSC 3700U Technology, Politics and Social Theory
COMM 4120U AI, Ethics and Communication
COMM 4420U Political Communication, Digital Media and Democracy
COMM 4710U Global Media, the Internet and International Relations
24 General electives
Total [120 credit hours]
Note: A maximum of 42 credit hours of 1000-level courses (14 courses) are permitted. LBAT 2000U – Introduction to Liberal Arts, Social Science and Humanities should be completed in the second year of study.