Analyses the special problems encountered by democratic policy making in scientific, technical and environmental areas of public policy: the often hidden value assumptions concealed behind technical debates; the frequent existence of options which may be better than those being debated; insights available from "back-of-the-envelope" calculations; the role of Government in fostering and regulating technological change; the roles of non-governmental organizations ranging from the National Academy of Sciences to individual "public citizens"; accessibility of critical information and analyses; the uses, misuses, rights and responsibilities of technical experts. Case studies of current policy debates concerning: nuclear-weapons, climate change, alternative energy futures, cancer risks, genetic engineering, and the information technologies. Two lectures each week, one weekly 2-hour section. No prerequisites.