People and the environment: An exploration of humans, nature, and science
This Grand Challenges Course analyzes the relationship between people in diverse places, science and technology (broadly and narrowly conceived), and land and the environment. With special attention to Minnesota, the Midwest, and the Great Lakes regions, the course draws from foundational concepts, themes, and questions developed within the interdisciplinary fields of science, technology, and society (STS), Indigenous Studies, and American Studies. Therefore, this course brings multidisciplinary ideas and perspectives as articulated in MPact 2025 and “inspired by Minnesota to improve people and places at world-class levels” (MPact 2025). Co-taught by faculty who specialize in STEM education, decolonial and Indigenous research methodologies, and critical university studies, readings, lectures, and discussions allow learners to engage with sociological and anthropological understandings of science practices; economic and political perspectives on technological and scientific (techno-scientific) controversies (including debates and negotiations between scientific experts and the public and public policies); and the cultural and philosophical factors that shape relationships between people and their environments.