Course Details
Course offered Autumn 2021
HONORS 220 D: Science and Engineering for Social Justice (NSc, DIV, W)
HONORS 220 D: Science and Engineering for Social Justice (NSc, DIV, W)
SLN 16397 (View UW registration info »)
Phone: 206-685-9283
Email: dgh5@uw.edu
Credits: 5
Limit: 35 students
In this course, we will explore social justice in a science and engineering context, with a focus on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). We will discover why scientists and engineers must practice inclusive design and think broadly about the impact of their work on diverse populations, including ethical implications, potential inequities in access, and bias against underrepresented people.
We emphasize what students can do to advocate for and represent diverse peoples, and to promote social justice through science and engineering practice. Throughout the course, we explore these inter-related questions:
- How do our cultural ideas about race, gender, disability and sexuality influence science and engineering knowledge and practice?
- On the other hand, how does our science and engineering practice influence our cultural ideas about race, gender, disability and sexuality?
- How can we use science and engineering to promote social justice for all people?
Through a social justice lens, we will explore the ethical implications involved in how technologies impact underrepresented people with specific focus on race, gender, sexuality, and disability. Topics include:
- Current innovations and emerging technologies, such as: artificial intelligence, CRISPR genome editing, and DNA forensics;
- Processes involved in a variety of engineering disciplines, such as: sustainable technology, energy production and storage, hazardous waste disposal, and pharmaceutical and vaccine development;
- Interdisciplinary methodologies to work towards eliminating inequities, bias, and barriers, such as: inclusive design (e.g., curb cuts to allow wheelchair access on sidewalks and representative standards in transit, automotive, airline, and medical contexts); and increasing access to healthcare, technology, participation in government and elections, and infrastructure (clean water, energy, sanitation, and transportation).