HSCI 216 Gender, Science, and Technology (Not offered 1997-98; to be offered 1998-99)

Given that humans cannot change the underlying principles of the universe, what possible bearing could gender have upon the ideas, research programmes, and achievements of the natural sciences and technology? If any, does it range across the sciences; for example, does gender affect mathematical theorems? In turn, how have developments in science and technology related to concepts of gender? In what ways have women's careers differed from men's in science and engineering? What contributions have women made to those fields? This course explores these and other questions concerning: the interrelationships of gender, science, and technology; women in science and technology; the effects of technology on women's lives; feminist critiques of science and technology.
Evaluation will be based on class participation, a term paper, and a final exam. Open to first-year students. Satisfies one semester of Division II requirement.

D. BEAVER