This award is a planning/pilot graduate training project to involve one faculty member and three graduate students for one year in laying the groundwork for the development of a science and technology studies graduate program in design. STS scholars have recognized how technologies embody cultural, social and political values. But seldom have they applied such perspectives that inform actual design projects. The award will allow for the teaching of an interdisciplinary course on design involving STS and Engineering faculty, the development of a series of interdisciplinary courses on design, and the participation of three graduate students. The project will explore ways to integrate STS and design, as well as on-campus design and industry design. Moreoever, the project will explore ways of building bridges to engineering faculty. Activities for graduate students will not only involve classes, but also field work to non-academic sites and a colloquium series.
