Science Tech in Global Arena

0 or 4 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Science and technology have revolutionized geopolitical strategy, helped to internationalize markets, created new possibilities for environmental degradation and nuclear destruction, enhanced economic development, addressed health issues on a global scale, and altered the conduct of warfare, economic trade, and political relations. The complexity of these issues requires individuals with some degree of technical and scientific knowledge—from scientists to well-trained experts—to assist in crafting solutions to the diplomatic problems that science and technology pose. STIA 305 is an introduction to how science and technology affect international affairs, and how international affairs impacts scientific and technological developments. Students learn through a combination of lectures from core STIA faculty and practitioners, readings, discussion sections, written assignments, and interactive simulations that depending on the semester may involve negotiating global environmental agreements, crafting global health responses, developing new technologies, advising on international development interventions, planning for energy security risks, or working through a nuclear crisis. The course is open to all Georgetown undergrads with priority given to STIA majors and minors, and is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.