The Major in Society, Culture, Technology offers a unique curriculum that critically examines how technology shapes society. Students will gain insights into the impact of scientific and technological innovations on cultures and social life, as well as how social forces influence these developments. This interdisciplinary program encourages students to explore key questions, such as the role of science in shaping our world and whether technologies exacerbate or address social issues. Through a curated set of courses, students will understand the interplay between science, technology, and social contexts, analyzing the challenges and potential of technological advancements.
The Major in Society, Culture, Technology provides an exceptional curriculum aimed at examining the ways technology influences society and culture. Students investigate important innovations such as data, information, and AI, tackling essential questions regarding their effects on social challenges. This interdisciplinary program highlights the connections between science, technology, and social environments. Ultimately, it equips students to assess how technological advancements shape cultural practices and social dynamics.
The curriculum focuses on topics related to society and culture, including Science, Technology, Society, Governance Technologies, Media, Religion, Spirituality, and Self-Expression and Interconnectedness. Courses offered encompass a diverse range of subjects, such as Economies, Networks and Technologies, Technologies of Governance, Media, Religion and Spirituality, Relatedness and Technology, and City Technologies and Urban Infrastructures. This comprehensive approach allows students to explore the intricate relationships between various societal elements and technological advancements. Instead of a thesis, students have the option to choose 3 elective courses in their final year, enabling them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. This flexibility encourages interdisciplinary learning and equips graduates with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate complex societal challenges.
| Core Courses (68 credits) | Major in Society, Culture, Technology (60 credits) | Other Courses (32 credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, Thinking, Writing | Society and Culture | Mandatory AI Module |
| Introduction to Philosophy | Science, Technology, Society | Campus as a living lab project |
| Thinking Historically | Economies, Networks and Technologies | Global Exchange (preferred but not mandatory) |
| The Natural World | Technologies of Governance | Internship or independent project |
| AI, Technology and Ethics | Media, Religion, and Spirituality | University-wide electives |
| Sociological Imagination | Relatedness and Technology | |
| Quantitative Thinking | Self, Expression and Interconnectedness | |
| Qualitative Thinking | City Technologies and Urban Infrastructures | |
| Fundamentals of Economics | Technology and Sonic Cultures | |
| Geopolitics | Medicine and Biotechnologies | |
| Fundamentals of Business | Images and the Visual World | |
| Interpreting India - 1 | AI, Data and Information Society | |
| Interpreting India - 2 | Practicum related to Society, Culture, Technology | |
| Introduction to Digital Humanities | Major Thesis* | |
| Environment and Sustainability | ||
| The Many Lives of Cognition | ||
| Fundamentals of Media and Communication |
*In lieu of a thesis, students can opt for 3 UWEs from the basket of 6 courses provided in year four of the program. UWEs (university wide electives) are courses offered by departments and schools across the university.
Experiential learning is integral to the program, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Through internships, global exchanges, and independent projects, students gain practical experience while collaborating with industry professionals and communities. These immersive experiences enhance their understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions, fostering critical thinking and innovation. Ultimately, this approach equips graduates with the skills and insights necessary for impactful careers in the field.
Internships are a key component of our program, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their skills in real-world settings. At Shiv Nadar University, we have established partnerships with various domestic and international organizations in the fields of environment, sustainability, and conservation, providing students with valuable internship opportunities as part of their course.
Upon completing the program, graduates will have diverse career opportunities in various fields, utilizing their specialized knowledge and skills. They can pursue roles in policy analysis, particularly focusing on technology policies and their intersections with social organizations. Opportunities also exist in journalism, digital media, and communications, as well as in administrative services and policy-oriented organizations addressing critical issues like health and urban infrastructure. Additionally, graduates may engage in research and analysis in science and technology, pursue academia in fields such as Sociology and Public Policy, or work in think tanks and civil society organizations at the intersection of tech policy and social sectors.