Science, Technology, and Society

<p>How is this major? Is it considered a serious one or a joke one? Is the department well established? I'm just looking through random stuff and wondering what this department is about. Do most of the majors go on to med/law school? Does anyone know anything about this program?</p>

<p>it's a very small major, with very few people enrolled. it's one of those collections of classes from other departments kinds of things. you're not going to find much on it, but do look for older listings of "history and sociology of science" - that was the major's old name.</p>

<p>or you might say it's a joke. but i didn't say that.</p>

<p>maybe i should just major in CSE....</p>

<p>venkat, your degree in CSE is inevitable. follow the path of least resistance and start filling out a transfer app to SEAS now.</p>

<p>I took STSC001 and it turned out be a very history oriented class, basically Western Civ, with a focus on scientists and natural philosophers. I talked to the professor too and he said the major was a very history focused one as well. So if you like that stuff..</p>

<p>If you're looking for classes about internet culture and how the internet shapes our daily lives and more sociology slanted stuff, you may be disappointed.</p>

<p>my problem is that i like science/techy stuff, but don't think i have the motivation/intelligence to major in engineering or chemistry or something like that. i also love history and social sciences so would like a major that brings in some of those aspects too maybe. if STSC is basically history with a science focus i doubt it's what i want to do. maybe there is no major for me and i'll have to make one up...</p>

<p>hey that sounds like me when I arrived at Penn. I thought I would major in STSC, but now I've decided against it.</p>

<p>What school are you in right now Venkat? You'll be entering in SAS right?</p>

<p>Venkat, the only way that a science degree is too hard for you is if you tell yourself that. Don't discount something that may interest you just because it's more difficult than other options out there. </p>

<p>The best way to get a rewarding experience out of your major is to push yourself to the point where the material is difficult. Don't be afraid to try out some classes in SEAS or the sciences, but don't write off the humanities either. </p>

<p>Additionally, CSE (now CIS) 125 offers a great experience on the 'society' aspects of modern technology. Check it out if it's offered this spring.</p>

<p>I'm entering in SAS but put it at about 30% that I transfer schools by the end of the year. I'm strongly considering SEAS (CIS or maybe something else) and if my grades are in line for Wharton I might give that try too. My classes right now are chem 101, math 114, econ 1, and a writing seminar. Hopefully they'll tell me something about what I want to pursue.</p>

<p>Since you're so undecided about your major, try to take a 5th class in one of your fields. For engineering, EAS 101 may give you a good idea of the fields offered (and it's not a hard or heavy work class). A LGST class may give you a look at Wharton. Try to take some random, seminar upper-level class or a frosh seminar in a history or social science field if you're interested. The problem is that while those 4 classes are "required" for those majors, the intro-level classes don't give a good picture of what the actual curricula are like. And of course, try to talk to some people in the majors or meet with an adviser for the major - Jackie Caliman and CJ Taylor handle that stuff for CIS and are generally pretty good.</p>

<p>EAS 101 is offered in the Spring right? The class is full (except for the section that conflicts with every single Math 114 recitation). Would an OPIM class be good to take to see how Wharton works? I talked to my dad about entry level positions for management consulting and he said it was basically excel and powerpoint, so they seem like valuable classes to take in general.</p>

<p>I'm pretty sure that everybody hates OPIM.</p>

<p>1) OPIM classes are great. Wharton students hate opim 101 because it's too hard for them. Anything beyond that is a solid course, but won't give you a good chance to see how Wharton "works." Additionally, OPIM classes beyond 101 arent "excel and powerpoint" - they're actually legitmate courses in supply chains, information management, negotiations, product design... if you see one that looks good, go for it.</p>

<p>2) EAS 101 is fall only. really, if you're thinking of maybe being an engineer, it's a must - the only place where you're going to get actual experiences with all of the disciplines. if you're actually interested in taking it, email Dr. Pope and ask to be let into one of the other sections (but 9am is reserved for M&Ts) and he probably will get you in</p>