May 11, 2025  
Rensselaer Catalog 2021-2022 
    
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Rensselaer Catalog 2021-2022 [Archived Catalog]

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STSO 4580 - Self-Organization in Science and Society

Self-organization has become increasingly important in science and engineering. Self-assembly of molecular structures are critical to nanotechnology; self-organizing swarms of insects are modeled in biology and robotics, and so on. But recursive loops in which things govern themselves are also foundational to society. Indigenous societies are renowned for their ecological self-stabilization. Wikipedia, Open Sources Software, and other means of “crowdsourcing” offer new visions for a more democratic civil society.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: any course with an STSO designation or permission of instructor.

When Offered: Spring term even-numbered years.



Credit Hours: 4


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