Key Takeaways
- The Sanford School of Public Policy has introduced a new minor in Technology Policy, which allows undergraduates to study the intersection of technology, governance, and society.
- The minor requires five courses, including introductory policy analysis and policy choice, as well as three electives that focus on technology-oriented public policy.
- The program is co-led by Professors Ken Rogerson and David Hoffman and aims to develop students’ skills in influencing public policy and promoting the development of technology to improve lives.
- The minor offers a range of electives, including courses on cybersecurity, privacy, global technology policy, and ethical decision making.
- The program will be administered by a director of undergraduate studies and will partner with campus groups to promote its offerings and opportunities to students.
Introduction to the Technology Policy Minor
The Sanford School of Public Policy has recently introduced a new minor in Technology Policy, which provides undergraduates with a formal pathway to study the intersection of technology, governance, and society. The minor was approved by the Arts & Sciences Council with 27 votes in favor, two opposed, and four abstentions. This new course of study is a significant development, as it recognizes the growing importance of technology in shaping public policy and the need for students to develop skills in this area.
Program Structure and Requirements
The Technology Policy minor requires students to complete five courses, including PubPol 155: Introduction to Policy Analysis and PubPol 302: Policy Choice as a Value Conflict. In addition to these core courses, students must take three electives drawn from a list of technology-oriented public policy courses, with at least one elective at the 500-699 level. This structure provides students with a solid foundation in policy analysis and allows them to explore a range of topics related to technology and public policy. The electives span topics such as cybersecurity, privacy, global technology policy, communications policy, data journalism, and ethical decision making, giving students the flexibility to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
Program Goals and Objectives
The Technology Policy minor is co-led by Sanford Professors of the Practice Ken Rogerson and David Hoffman, who aim to develop students’ skills in influencing public policy and promoting the development of technology to improve lives. The program’s core aim is to provide students with the specific instruments used to influence public policy, complementing existing pathways such as the Journalism and Media minor, the Digital Intelligence certificate, the computer science major, and programs in the Pratt School of Engineering. By combining technical skills with policy and ethics, students will be better equipped to navigate the complex relationships between technology, governance, and society.
Development and Rationale
Professor Rogerson first presented the proposal for the Technology Policy minor at the Arts & Sciences Council’s final meeting of the fall semester, arguing that Duke needed a curricular pathway for students eager to connect technical fields with policy and ethics. Rogerson emphasized that technology is already an integral part of our lives, and it is essential to respond to this need on campus. The minor is designed to provide students with a competitive edge in the job market, as having a combination of technical skills and knowledge of policy and ethics can make a significant difference in securing employment. As Rogerson noted, "If students want to go work in tech and they have the technical skills, there seems to be a little bit of a weeding out right now. But if you have these few other skills too, it can raise your ability to get a job."
Program Administration and Partnerships
The Technology Policy minor will be administered by a director of undergraduate studies, initially shared between Rogerson and Hoffman, with logistical support from Sanford staff. Sanford has committed funding for administrative support, DUS compensation, and program marketing. The program will also partner with campus groups, including the Technology Policy Lab, Tech for Change, the Duke Cyber club, and the Deep Tech Initiative, to communicate its offerings and opportunities to students. These partnerships will help to promote the minor and provide students with a range of resources and opportunities to engage with the field of technology policy.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Technology Policy minor at the Sanford School of Public Policy is a significant development that recognizes the growing importance of technology in shaping public policy. The minor provides students with a formal pathway to study the intersection of technology, governance, and society, and equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to influence public policy and promote the development of technology to improve lives. With its range of electives and partnerships with campus groups, the Technology Policy minor is an exciting opportunity for students to explore the complex relationships between technology, policy, and society.