Society, Technology and Human Values

What is the Society, Technology and Human Values specialization?

Students in this specialization explore the intricate interplay between society, technology, and human values, acknowledging humans as both creators and consumers of technology. Learners will examine the historical and current dynamics of these relationships, gaining insights into the significant impact of technology on our everyday lives. They will acquire practical skills and knowledge to navigate the complex intersections of society and technology. Through readings, case studies, hands-on projects, collaborative research endeavours, and experiential learning opportunities, students learn to critically analyze technological advancements, assess their ethical and social implications, and contribute to informed, ethical, and responsible decision-making in various contexts.

Throughout the program, students engage with theoretical frameworks and empirical research to develop a comprehensive understanding of how technological advancements shape and are shaped by social structures, cultural norms, and individual values. By examining case studies, historical trends, and current developments, students gain insights into the multifaceted ways in which technology influences social processes, from communication patterns to economic systems to cultural practices. Key themes include technological determinism, digital divides, privacy concerns, labour displacement, environmental sustainability, ethical dimensions of technology use and design, privacy, surveillance, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering.

What do I need to 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 courses, including English (ENG4U). Expected average of 70 per cent. To learn more about the admissions process and apply, visit our Undergraduate Admissions website.

Experiential Learning

To learn more about the Society, Technology and Human Values 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?

Year 1 [30 credit hours]

Three of:

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

Three FSSH electives
Two general electives

Note: Any course not taken in the above option block may be taken as an elective. ALSU 1101U, INDG 1000U, SSCI 1210U, SSCI 1470U, and SSCI 1700U are recommended as electives in the first year.

Year 2 {30 credit hours]

Two of:

CRMN 2030U – Social Control
POSC 2100U – Global Politics
POSC 2800U – Introduction to Business, Economy and Society
SOCI 2010U – Deviance and Social Control
SOCI 2300U – Social Problems
SOCI 2700U – Human Sexuality
SOCI 2720U – Sports and Society
SSCI 2101U – Making a Difference: An Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship

Two general electives

Year 3 [30 credit hours]

One of:

Three of:

CRMN 3023U – Family Violence
CRMN 3010U – Social Justice/Criminal Justice
INDG 3310U – Indigenous Peoples, Sustainability and Development: A Global Perspective
LGLS 3200U – Sociology of Law
LGLS 3520U – Law and Technology
LGLS 3700U – Law and Power
POSC 3101U – Inequality, Environment and Development
POSC 3602U – Labour in the Global Economy
POSC 3800U – Business, Politics and the Macroeconomy
SSCI 3000U – Disability, Rehabilitation and Society

Two SOCI electives
Two general electives

Year 4 [30 credit hours]

One of:

One of:

COMM 4420U – Political Communication, Digital Media and Democracy
INDG 4310U – The Politics of Indigenous Rights
LGLS 4200U – Law and Social Change
SOCI 4999U – Special Topics in Sociology
SSCI 4020U – Leadership and Administration

General and FSSH electives:

General electives can be taken at/or adjoining their year level, where permission has been granted and prerequisites have been fulfilled. FSSH electives are any courses offered by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (i.e., ALSU, COMM, CRMN, INDG, FPSY, LBAT, LGLS, POSC, PSYC and SSCI). No more than five 1000-level elective courses can be included. A minimum of three FSSH elective courses must be outside of major at the 2000-level or higher and a minimum of three elective courses must be at the 3000-level or higher.

To achieve a specialization, students will be required to take a minimum of five course credits as indicated below.

Specialization in Society, Values and Technology

Three of:

Two of: