Innovation in Society (BA)

Explores the ways in which the future inspires, shapes and motivates the present. Illustrates how possible futures are used by people and institutions to advance agendas, shape conversations and sell products. Examines how science, technology and other forces are mobilized to create change. Empowers students to play a role in shaping our collective future.

Examines the vast implications of innovation, why it is so powerful, and why it really matters. Introduces the theories and processes of innovation as they relate to socio-political change. Students gain knowledge about the history and future of innovation and explore how innovation is entangled with social, political and ethical issues. By identifying and applying analytical tools, students learn to account for the diverse workings and effects of innovation. This course strives to debunk the myth that innovation happens automatically. Rather, different actors rally to create innovations that shape our society, economy and cultures--and that those innovations are not inevitable and could be otherwise.

Students research, beginning with the concept of research itself and its various purposes, highlighting knowledge and how it is created in different disciplinary approaches. Exposes historical and philosophical underpinnings of how research is conceptualized, presented and implemented, including what constitutes information, knowledge and evidence. Introduces material that is in a traditional research design and methodology course; however, the emphasis uniquely focuses on knowledge creation, innovation, the nature of disciplinary knowledge and its impact on society. Explores the epistemological differences in problem identification and approaches to inquiry in the disciplinary perspectives of engineering, the sciences and in the social sciences.

Foresight methods and their potentials as entry-points into public discussions about near- and mid-range technoscientific developments. Four elements constitute the organizing axis of the course: (1) the history of foresight exercises in government agencies and business organizations; (2) the methods of four forms of foresight exercises (technology foresight, science and technology studies, anticipatory governance and scenario development); (3) a comparative assessment of these dominant forms; and (4) a group-based application exercise using one of the foresight methods.

Studies the roles that governments, markets and other factors play in promoting, disseminating and regulating science-based technological innovation. Includes examining the theoretical literature on factors that structure markets and shape diffusion, as well as case studies that illustrate the processes and mechanisms that govern innovations in society. In addition to studying the role of governments, firms and universities, also considers the role of publics as consumers who adopt innovations but also as citizens who may be skeptical of them. Includes case studies in agriculture, health care, biotechnology and digital rights.

Facilitates experiential learning and allows students to work with clients in the field of technology, innovation and sustainability. Through team projects with identified stakeholders, students engage, plan, design, implement and assess projects while learning interpersonal skills and managing client relationships. Students gain real-world experience and develop skills in project management, including planning, implementing and evaluating a complete project cycle. Allows students to manage both client-based projects and team relationships to complete projects. Students carry out project-based research, conduct interviews and meetings, make site visits, develop work plans and scope of works, negotiate clear deliverables with clients, implement projects and give public presentations. Presentations are grounded in the idea of conducting effective science communication.