Academic Resources

Science, Technology, and Society

Course Description

Have you ever wondered what the world will be like when you are your parents’ age?  Do you like science fiction? Do you like science fact? Do you worry about technology or welcome it?

This course will discuss how technology has shaped and will continues to shape the world around us and the way we will live our lives.  We will consider three converging technologies that will have a dramatic impact on society: biotechnology, nanotechnology, and information technology.  The changes in these areas will be so dramatic that they raise fundamental questions—even about what it means to be human!  This course will explore what changes are likely in store for us in the future, and the ethical questions brought about by technological development and use; and it will raise the important question: what are our recurring human values and will they persevere in the face of our future?  We will talk about technological innovations, the relationship between science and religion, and even engage in some debates about ethical issues.

The course is directed toward the general liberal arts students (and not science majors, although they will not be rejected!).

 

Dr. Lewis Duncan

Lewis M. Duncan, Rollins' 14th president, took office on August 1, 2004. Born in West Virginia and later raised in Texas, Dr. Duncan (he actually prefers to be called   Lewis), is a self-described member of the "Sputnik Generation." His childhood fascination with satellites and the space program guided his educational and career paths. And while today Duncan is literally a rocket scientist, he is remarkably down to Earth. Warm, friendly and approachable, he was attracted to Rollins because of the College’s commitment to excellence, innovation and community. He believes in the value of a liberal arts education and that Rollins has an important role to play on the national stage in raising the issue of how to make liberal education relevant for the 21st century.

 

Meet Your Academic Advisor

Becca Hickam

Becca Hickam serves as an Assistant Director in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership on campus, located in Chase Hall.  Born and raised as a Hoosier in the great state of Indiana, she received her B.S. in Biology from Butler University in 2003.  From Indianapolis she traveled to Miami University in Ohio, where she completed her M.S. in College Student Personnel in May 2005.  After over two decades inthe Midwest, she found her way to lovely Orlando, Florida and a new home in Rollins College.

An avid lover of life, Becca works with leadership and service initiatives on campus through advisement of several student organizations, the LEAD Team, the Fox Funds committee, and Council of Leaders.  She seeks to bring people, groups, initiatives, and programs together at Rollins in the creation of a community of inclusion.  In her free time, she enjoys training for marathons and triathlons, dining at local establishments, reading, and sunshine.

 

Meet Your Peer Mentors

Name: Nick Horton

Major: Physics

Hometown: Longwood, FL

Why did you decide to come to Rollins?

I intend to major in Physics, but I also want to become a better writer. Rollins has a good science program, and most of their courses place a strong emphasis on writing effectively. The Rollins science program also has numerous research opportunities that interest me, and I appreciate the one-on-one attention that the faculty gives their students.

What's your favorite Rollins memory?

My favorite Rollins memory was Fox Day 2006. Waking up at 5:45 AM to people screaming in the parking lot and blasting music in their rooms is a wonderful way to begin a day that included a mini vacation to Cocoa Beach and a barbecue on Mills Lawn. The weather at the beach was perfect, and nobody was eaten by sharks. The funniest part of the day was the limousines that some Rollins students took to and from the beach. Honestly, who rides a limo to the beach??? (there were free shuttle buses to and from the beach that almost all of the Rollins students took; the limousines were only a small (though humorous) portion of the transportation).

What makes you come alive on campus?

I enjoy the social gatherings that different organizations hold. Every so often, clubs on campus host social events with inflatable slides, food, and prizes. Most of these are open to all of the students.

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I was nervous about attending college last summer, and my Peer Mentors did a terrific job of helping me get acquainted with the school. The Peer Mentors scheduled awesome Fox Fridays, and they helped me feel that Rollins was my home. My RCC Peer Mentors helped me transition smoothly into the Rollins community, and I want to make the same impact on this year’s first year students.

 

What most excites you about next year?

I am excited to participate in the RCC class with a Peer Mentor’s perspective. It will be interesting for me to help fearlessly lead Orientation and attend the classes as a facilitator, rather than as a first-year student.

What's your advice to First-Year Students?
Bring a semester’s worth of clothes; it’s just too hard to spend four hours a month doing laundry. Haha, I’m just kidding. Don’t worry too much about the transition from high school to college. There are plenty of activities available at Rollins to keep you busy, and the faculty is awesome.

 

Name: Alex Winfree  

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Why did you decide to come to Rollins?

To be completely honest, Rollins was not my first choice, but it offered too many benefits for me to pass it up. There were many advantages combined to create a perfect school for me such as the gorgeous campus, close vicinity to home, small classes, leadership opportunities, and a small enough campus that I could walk to classes.

 

What's your favorite Rollins memory?

My favorite memory from this past year at Rollins was from Block Party. This was not just any party, but it was a monumental event that was hosted by both Greeks (fraternities) and non-Greek organizations. At least four different organizations combined their efforts and finances to provide the school with one night of free food, a foam pit, and fun times.

What makes you come alive on campus?

When I walk around campus to get food or head to classes, I love looking around and appreciating that I have the opportunity to go to school in such beautiful weather and with wonderful people. I love from one side of campus to the other and seeing so many people that I know, but knowing that Rollins is just large enough for me to always be meeting new people.

 

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

My first year I had amazing Peer Mentors and I wanted the chance to have the same influence on others that they had on me. Also, I cannot wait to meet all of the First Year Students and share all of my experiences with them.

What most excites you about next year?

Meeting my mentees, decorating my new on-campus apartment with some of my favorite people, meeting new people and reuniting with all of the wonderful people I met this year. Maybe I have trouble picking just one!

 

What's your advice to First Year Students?

Stay open-minded about the people you meet in college and the organizations that show interest, be cautious with your first impressions because they are not always correct, and try to keep everything in moderation.