What Is Science For?
FYSEMR 54L
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
What is the value of science? Who does science? Who owns scientific results? What role does science play in society? Imagine the year 2030 and we’ve succeeded in lunar landings and base development. Can science and technology help the United States own the moon? Using examples from above (terrestrial), below (oceans), and beyond (space) you will explore the relationship between science and diplomacy. The umbrella term "Science Diplomacy" spans wide-ranging activities connecting science and technology with international affairs. Scientific knowledge can inform foreign policy objectives with scientific advice (science in diplomacy), facilitate international science cooperation (diplomacy for science), and use science cooperation to improve international relations between countries (science for diplomacy).
When you leave college, you will likely be part of a cohort using science & technology to transform the world. How do we future cast transboundary challenges like global health (Above), rising sea levels (Below), and space exploration (Beyond)? This seminar uses case studies, campus visits, and field trips to create an immersive learning experience that integrates and evaluates science diplomacy concepts and mechanisms related to international science & technology initiatives. You may know John F. Kennedy’s space race in the USA, but did you know of his role in promoting science diplomacy in the creation of the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID)? For the capstone assignment, work side by side with your classmates, scientists, and international development practitioners to create products (e.g. OpEds, private LinkedIn accounts, and Wikipages) that amplify your voice and live beyond the life of the seminar.
This seminar is meant to highlight the global nature of science and technology fields and how closely it aligns with human interests. Specifically, outlining the “supply chains” involved in biodiversity, global health, and global commons governance. Students will be exposed to various viewpoints on and off campus via guest seminars, campus visits, and field trips. An important aspect of the seminar is to provide first-year students with ongoing mentoring and experiences that will benefit network building within the University and the Boston region, so they become critical thinkers about issues concerning the interface of science & technology policy implementation and multilateral international initiatives.
NOTE: This seminar includes two trips off campus on Fridays: One in Boston and one to Woods Hole, Cape Cod.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
