STS 281 - Gender and Science

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as WMST 281) This multidisciplinary course critically examines the intersections between science and the categories of gender, race, class, and sexuality. The course explores the ways that science and culture construct such categories and how the constructions play out in society. We consider how these constructions and the practice of science matter in terms of health care, education, food, the environment, safety, careers, and power in society. We examine the historical and current relationships between “western” science, multicultural sciences, imperialism, and economic globalization. Throughout the course, we ask how the social institution and power of science itself is affected by gender, race, class, and sexuality. For instance, who does science and who decides which projects to pursue and what constitutes a “fact”? Finally, we investigate alternative approaches to constructing knowledge. Ms. Schneiderman.

Two 75-minute periods.