17.309/ESD.082/STS.082  Science, Tech, & Public Policy

Q1: Where can I obtain a copy of the final exam?

A1:  A lightly revised version of the essay pool is now posted under materials, with changes highlighted in yellow.   The changes are in response to points of clarification raised during the first review session.

 

Q2:   A "technocratic” approach rests on presumptions of neutrality and expertise.   In the breast implant case, law firms hired outside experts.   Is the use of experts an example of a technocratic approach because it draws on expertise?  Or is it adversarial because the experts were hired by the law firms?

A2:  That is a good mixed case.   Attorneys select expert witnesses as instruments to advance client positions and to undercut the position of opposing parties in an adversarial legal process.   This takes place within a context defined by the Daubert rule, with ostensibly neutral and expert technocratic judges setting boundaries on what is and is not acceptable expert testimony in an adversarial process.  

 

Q3:   Are we limited to energy examples in our responses to Question 2 in the essay pool?

A3:   You are free to use examples from other areas and/or energy.       

 

Q4:  Are we limited to US examples as we develop responses to questions on this exam?   Are we limited to cases that we have treated in class?

A4:  You may use international illustrations and you are not limited to examples from class.   If you are referencing cases that will not be known to your TA, please provide enough information to allow the TA to understand the case that you are referencing.

 

Q5:  Do you have more information on the short answers?

A5:  You will be asked to answer four of five short answer questions that appear on the exam.  Two of the questions are derived from the essay pool and three are on topics that were featured prominently slides and reading questions.  

 

Q6:  May I use security examples in the question on indicators?

A6:  Yes.

 

Q7:  Some of the questions such as the one on secrecy ask me to take a position on issues.  I am genuinely ambivalent.    What should I do?

A7:  It is good practice, on exams and in life, to take serious account of positions that may cut against your main line of argument.    Do not emulate high school debaters.     Try to anticipate and to address complications and counterarguments even as you describe your basic position.

SCHEDULE 

MON  12/03   KNOWLEDGE SECURITY

WED   12/05  KNOWLEDGE SECURITY +  PROACTIVE DESIGN & TESTING

MON   12/10   EVALUATING POLICY

WED   12/12    IMPROVING POLICY          

THU    12/13  10-11   REVIEW – KEN AND FRANK     E51-145

FRI     12/14  10-11   REVIEW – HANNA AND JOSEPHINE  E51-145

MON   12/17  9-10    REVIEW – SEBASTIAN AND KEN   E51-085

TUE   12/18   1:30-4:30   IN CLASS FINAL EXAM   10-250

ANNOUNCEMENT

CASS SUNSTEIN “THE WHITE HOUSE & REGULATION: MYTHS AND REALITIES”  TUE 12/11  4:15 PM  66-110

Dear Science and Technology Policy Undergrads,

Let’s set up to consult on knowledge assessment papers.   Unfortunately, I must travel to Philadelphia right after class on Wednesday.   Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience associated with the arrangements below.

First, please email me with your current take on your paper topic.   This should include the prompt you are addressing and the question/case you are taking on.   This does not have to be very elaborate.  If you are still up in the air on the topic, you should email me with that info.

Second, if you would like a face to face meetings, please drop by at any of the following times and locations.

Tuesday (today)

2:45-3:45 PM in Building 36, 4^th floor lobby near RLE conference room.

5:00-6:00 PM in E40-437

Wednesday

11:00 AM-12:00 PM in E40-437

 

Third, if you would like to set up a phone discussion on Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, please email me with your available times for a call and your call back number. 

 

We can set up other options as well. 

Sincerely,

Ken

PS: Many of you have spoken highly of Jo Ann’s counsel on the first paper.  Let’s try to make sure she is in the loop on the second paper as well.

PPS: Larry McCray really enjoyed meeting you at recitation last night.  Right after section, Larry volunteered to be a resource for you on the knowledge assessment paper.   As we go over your topics, we can figure out if there are ways that Larry might be able to help you.

Feedback/Advising

With papers due on Monday,  Jo Ann and I are standing by with availabilty for last minute feedback and advising over this weekend.

Our writing advisor, Jo Ann Graziano, has emailed you with her availability.

To reach me, please email oye@mit.edu and we can set up for a consultation.   Try to include the gist of your question and your availability in the email.  

Please conitnue to use P1-LASTNAME-FIRSTNAME in email subject lines to seek advising or to submit drafts.  This helps pass through assorted spam filters.  

Best,
Ken

The makeup for class 20 will be held on Monday, November 19th at 5:30pm in E51-145.

Here is the schedule:

M 11/19 1:00-2:30 Class 19 Knowledge Assessment – Problems and Responses

M 11/19 5:30-7:00 Class 20 Assessing Environmental, Health and Safety Risks E51-145 (makeup)

W 11/21 1:00-2:30 Class 20 Assessing Environmental, Health and Safety Risks

Th 11/22 Thanksgiving Holiday

M 11/26 1:00-2:30 Class 21 Assessing Environmental, Health and Safety Risks