From: Norbert Elliot, Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

Welcome Letter for STS 307

If you are reading this memo, then you are trying to find our more about STS 307. You already know that the upper division courses in STS are part of the NJIT General University Requirements, and you may be interested in selecting a distance-learning version as a way to fulfill your HSS graduation requirements.

Science, Technology, and Society (STS) explores the foundations and impact of science and technology by examining the values, language, history, politics, and economics of modern technological society. Work in this field prepares students to integrate the scientific and technical disciplines with the humanities and social sciences. Through its multidisciplinary approach, STS explores the interrelated worlds of the scientist, engineer, politician, and citizen. Furthermore, the global, multicultural, and environmental perspective of STS develops ethical awareness and public responsibility.

This course focuses on research methods in the field of STS. We will focus on the following methods: problem statement and hypothesis formulation; research design and data generation; existing information sources and their acquisition; and analytic techniques. Our goal in the course is to allow students to develop analytic methods that will generate meaningful and significant undergraduate research projects.

So, how do you know if this particular DL course is for you? Answer each of the following questions by thinking if you strongly agree, agree, don't know, disagree, or strongly disagree with each of the following five statements:

1. I am very familiar with using the computer as a tool of learning. That is, I am fluent with the Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power Point, and Microsoft Excel. I am at ease exploring the world wide web. I am able to use the NJIT library for searching and retrieval of electronic sources of information, as well as for interlibrary loan of traditional print sources. And I am able to download and upload documents to a server such as Web-CT.

2. I think that reading a textbook about methods of social research and analyzing no fewer than twenty peer-reviewed articles is not a heavy reading load in a semester course.

3. I enjoy writing about complex social ideas and discussing them in groups.

4. I am committed to distance learning as a mode of education. That is, I am prepared to visit the course website daily and post my observations in discussion groups. If technical problems arise, I will not let these stand in the way of obtaining material and submitting work.

5. I think of myself as a competent writer. That is, I am able to write persuasively and to document sources of information using APA format, and I am confident I can write a proposal for STS research in a short time frame.

If you were able to answer that you strongly agree or agree with each of these five statements, then this course would suit you well. If, however, you were not able to affirm your devotion to a literature course offered in a distance-learning format, then this is not the course for you.

If you elect to take this course, then I would love to have you enroll. So that I can better prepare the course with you in mind, please complete the following agreement and e-mail it to me as soon as your registration is confirmed. As soon as I receive the form, I will write back to you.

Thank you for considering this course.

Course Agreement Form for STS 307

Date: (Insert Date of Completion)
To: Norbert Elliot, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (elliot@adm.njit.edu)
From: (Insert Your Name Here)
Subject: Agreement for STS 307

I am registered for STS 307.

I have read the NJIT Academic Honor Code and agree to follow its contents. http://www.njit.edu/Student/handbook/98/polinfo/honorcode.html

I have taken the prerequisites for STS 307.

I have read the syllabus and understand the amount and quality of reading, research, and writing required in the seminar.

I agree to have the required books and CDs in my possession within 24 hours of the first day of class. (I also understand that it is preferable to have these materials in hand before the course begins.)

I have a copy of Excel and will use this program for statistical analysis.

I understand that I will have to submit all assignments in APA format.

I understand that I must be an active participant in this course.

I understand the I must submit all assignments on their due date.

Please complete the following questions:
Name (please print):
Email address:
Major:
Expected Date of Graduation:
Course Titles of the Prerequisites for the Capstone Seminar:
Freshman Composition (3 credits)
Basic Social Science (6 credits)
Cultural History (6 credits)
Preferred Phone Number:
Reason for taking this particular STS course in a DL format: