Nuclear Problems and Society | TRAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology

Nuclear Problems and Society | TRAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology
2023, TRAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology


When the first artificial, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was created in 1942 in Chicago, human society was faced with an unsolvable conundrum: How could our society possibly justify the augmentation of this powerful energy that could destroy our own existence? This course investigates discourses around two major uses of nuclear energy in society – nuclear weapons and nuclear power – and examines them through social justice lenses. Key points of inquiry include what risks are associated with nuclear weapons and power, and how they have been evaluated in contrast to their benefits; how the damage caused by nuclear weapons and power has been addressed and repaired; and whether the harm caused by nuclear weapons and power equally impact all groups of people. Building on the basic reading and writing skills introduced in FYS I, FYS II will further students’ academic skills in writing an independent research paper. Therefore, students in this course are expected to collect evidence toward the development of critical arguments about nuclear problems by reading primary and secondary sources.


Subject Area(s): Comparative Sociology/Historical Sociology, Environmental Sociology, Peace, War, World Conflict, and Conflict Resolution, Racial and Ethnic Relations, Science and Technology
Resource Type(s): Assignment, Syllabus
Class Level(s): College 100, College 200, College 300
Class Size(s): Small