Tech for Humanity Minor
The development, role, and impact of technologies are closely intertwined with humanity. A comprehensive understanding of any technology includes awareness of the human dimensions of its creation, adoption, use, and effects in societal and cultural contexts. Students in the Tech for Humanity minor will explore the myriad ways that technology and humanity impact each other.
Why do it?
Adding human perspectives to a solid base of scientific knowledge empowers one to see the practical and impractical uses of today’s technologies. Throughout the Tech for Humanity minor, a human-centered approach to technology complements technical skills coursework already in the university curriculum. This approach ensures an appropriate focus and context while students explore the various impacts technology has, for better or worse, in their work and lives.
Requirements
All students taking this minor will begin their experience by taking the established STS 1504 “Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society” course, which provides a foundational introduction to the interrelationships among science, technology, and society from a humanistic perspective. The concepts and background of the course serve as a baseline for further study of humanistic issues with technology during the remainder of the minor experience.
For a full overview of this minor's required courses and a list of elective options, consult the Academic Catalog.
Who is it for?
Students enrolled in technical fields will benefit from the humanistic context provided by this minor, and students in humanistic fields will be able to explore the intersections of humanistic work with new technological developments. This minor is designed to benefit students in any degree program at Virginia Tech by providing them with a comprehensive, humanistic understanding of technology for the practical application and use of technology for overall personal and social good.
See what our instructors are saying
“Virginia Tech students become leaders across many fields related to science and technology, and an understanding of the interplay between those technologies and the people they are designed to serve is imperative to success in any work field. Whatever your life path, the Tech for Humanity minor will prepare you to deal with the human dimensions of technologies that will play an integral role in your career.”
- Jimmy Ivory, Professor of Media Studies. Department of English.
This minor is hosted by the Academy of Transdisciplinary Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in collaboration with numerous departments across Virginia Tech.
Pathways Concepts
Core Concepts*
Critical Thinking in the Humanities
Reasoning in the Social Sciences
Foundational Quantitative and Computational Thinking
Advanced Quantitative and Computational Thinking
Critique and Practice in Design
Critical Analysis of Identity and Equity in the United States
*Students are guaranteed to meet at least three of the core concepts listed
Integrative Concepts
Ethical Reasoning
Intercultural and Global Awareness