Women's Studies BC 3131y - Spring 2006

Women and Science

Prof. Laura E. Kay
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy Barnard College


In this course we will explore the history and politics of women's involvement with scientific research. We will begin by examining women's contribution to scientific discovery in various fields, and discuss possible reasons for their frequent exclusion from history. We will next look at the status of contemporary female scientists and the issues they encounter. We will read accounts of women working as scientists and examine the science education of girls and women. We will look at the feminist critiques of science as an institution and a methodology, and see what `science' has said about women. We will analyze biological theories of race and gender, discuss the question of objectivity in science, and consider how these relate to issues of women's participation in scientific endeavors.

Office Hours:
503 Altschul, Mon 2:30-3:45 Tues 2:30-3:30, or by appt.
Phone x4-7303
email: lkay@barnard.edu

Course Requirements:
  • Regular attendance and class participation is required. Each student will be asked to co-facilitate the class discussion of the readings for one session. The required reading should be completed before the class, and students should be prepared to have some questions and comments for discussion. A 2 page essay discussing six of the sets of readings is required. These six essays, class participation, and class facilitation will count for 40% of the final grade.

  • A 5 minute presentation and short, 5-7 page paper (using at least two references) on a (non Nobel Prize winning) woman scientist, engineer, doctor, etc. (20%)

  • Two papers on a topic related to one of the course discussion topics. Paper topics must be approved by the instructor in advance. One paper should be by the student alone (5-7 pp), the other paper should be a collaborative effort with another student in the course (8-10 pp). The papers should go beyond the class discussion of the required readings. The recommended readings, additional references, or other materials should be used as sources to address the topic of interest. (40%)

COURSE SCHEDULE

I. WOMEN IN SCIENCE: FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT
Introduction Jan. 17
The Heritage of Female Scientists Jan. 24
Women in American Medicine Jan. 31
Women Scientists in the Last 100 years Feb. 7
Current Status of Women in Science Feb. 14
Biographies of Women Scientists Feb. 21 - PAPER I DUE
The Culture of Women in Science Feb. 28
The Science Education of Girls and Young Women Mar. 7
II. SCIENCE AND WOMEN: FEMINIST SCIENCE STUDIES
Biological Determinism I Mar. 21
Biological Determinism II Mar. 28 CLASS RESCHEDULED
Sex and Science Apr. 4 PAPER II DUE
Feminist Science Studies Apr. 11
Some Issues in Women's Health Apr. 18
Paper Presentations Apr. 25
Paper III Due May 1


January 2006