DIV2, WS HIS 4528-001 Women in Modern Science and Technology (Dr. Johnson)

CRN: 40281 TR 11:30-12:20 Spring 2005

This course is designed to examine a series of issues related to the role of women in modern science and technology. The course will consist of three major parts, in each of which we will use the methods of social history, psycho-history, and the history of science and technology, with attention to feminist as well as other perspectives:

1) women as subjects and objects of modern (since 1600) scientific theories, experimental research, and technological practice (with attention to causes and consequences of differences in the perception of male vs. female bodies, minds, and activities)

2) women in modern scientific and technological professions (professional career obstacles and opportunities, strategies for advancement, development of professional associations, networking, etc.)

3) women as creative scientists, engineers, and inventors (similarities and differences in creative styles and patterns between men and women; problems confronting women in gaining access to institutional support and recognition for their work; case-studies of particular scientists and technologists who were women)

Students will write a short diagnostic essay and one medium-length (5-7 pages) paper, which will be presented in class. There will also be one midterm essay examination and a final.

Book list (as ordered for spring 2005):

Fausto-Sterling, Anne. Myths of Gender: Biological Theories about Women and Men

2nd ed., Revised. New York: Basic Books, 1992

USD 22.00 ISBN: 0-465-04792-0 (Paper Text)

Schiebinger, Londa. The Mind Has No Sex?: Women in the Origins of Modern Science. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1991

USD 20.95 ISBN: 0-674-57625-X (Trade Paper)

Cowan, Ruth Schwartz. More Work for Mother: The Ironies of Household Technology from the Open Hearth to the Microwave. New York: Basic Books, 1985

USD 22.50 ISBN: 0-465-04732-7 (Paper Text)

Bek, Anna Nikolaevna;  Rassweiler, Anne D., ed. The Life of a Russian Woman Doctor: A Siberian Memoir, 1869-1954. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, Nov. 2004

USD 19.95 ISBN: 0-253-21717-2 (paper text)

McGrayne, Sharon Bertsch. Nobel Prize Women in Science: Their Lives, Struggles and Momentous Discoveries. 2nd ed. Washington : Joseph Henry Press; National Academy Press, 2001

USD 19.95 ISBN: 0-309-07270-0 (paper text)

Morse, Mary. Women Changing Science: Voices from a Field in Transition

Cambridge: Perseus Publishing; Scranton: HarperCollins Publishers [Distributor], 2001.

USD 22.50 ISBN: 0-738-20615-6 (Paper Text)