HIST 315: STEM and Society: A History

HIST 315-001: The History of STEM and Society
(Spring 2026)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W

Thompson Hall 2021

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Spring 2026

Whether you’re a STEM major or a non-STEM major, you will need to be career-ready for a world that is increasingly dominated by science and technology.  In this course, you will learn how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) have shaped our global societies, from the laboratory to the start-up garage to the household.  In class and team environments you will take on various roles – television showrunner, marketing executive, hi-tech guru – to learn how to read and apply the stories of STEM in history, and how to tell those stories today.  And, no textbooks (you’re welcome).  This is the foundational course for the STEM in Society minor degree program - but you do not need to be in the minor to take this course.  

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Students will use case histories to explore the cultural and social aspects of global STEM development during the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions, roughly the period from 1700 to 1900. Students will be required to critically analyze articles, books chapters, other readings and media, and articulate their findings and viewpoints in classroom and online discussions and presentations. They will also work in a team project which will present its results to the class in live and online formats. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.