This course exposes students to state-of-the-art developments in some specific engineering materials, or processes related to engineering materials, and examines the multicultural technological, societal, and historical context in which materials research and development occur.

During the course, the students will learn to locate and read scientific literature in their field, to critically evaluate it, they will collaborate and discuss with colleagues whose perspectives are rooted in other languages and cultures, and they will become familiar with the format and style of scientific literature and conference presentations. 

The course consists of minimal lecturing, independent reading on a topic chosen by each student or team of students, online collaboration, and a student-led seminar where students present a paper they wrote about their topic.