WGSS 238 - Science, Gender and Power

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

Women's, Gender & Sexuality

Description:

This course examines debates in feminist theory about the relationship between science, gender and power in politics. On the one hand, shifting conceptions of gender have strongly influenced the development of the sciences in modernity: for example, feminists have argued that attempts to authorize science above other modes of knowing often implicitly or explicitly cast women as objects, not subjects, of knowledge. On the other hand, shifting conceptions of science have strongly influenced the development of feminist theory and practice: for example, debates about reproductive rights are often couched in terms of a conflict between reliable scientific knowledge of embryos, STDs, etc. and an unscientific, patriarchal worldview. Under what conditions can science and technology serve to transform, and under what conditions to reinforce, power imbalances based on gender, race, and sexuality? Should feminist theory embrace objectivity and model itself upon scientific procedures of knowledge production, or should feminists eschew objectivity as a myth told by the powerful about their own knowledge-claims and develop an alternative approach to knowledge? What is "objectivity" anyway, and how has this norm changed through history? Rather than treating science as a monolith, we will endeavor to understand the implications of various sciences--as enacted and imagined in various historically specific situations--for gender and politics. Readings may include texts by Rene Descartes, Andreas Vesalius, Londa Schiebinger, Anne Fausto-Sterling, Helen Longino, Nancy Harstock, Sandra Harding, bell hooks, Donna Haraway, Mary Hawkesworth, Octavia Butler, and more.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Seminar

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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