Overview
Science and technology constitute central and directive forces in economic and social development worldwide. This is amply demonstrated by the dominant role that science and technology assume in contemporary societies.
Although the numbers of women have increased in many careers, including those that have traditionally been male-dominated, women continue to be underrepresented in sub-fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in influential positions within these disciplines.
We have seen dramatic increases in the number of women participating in some of the science and technology disciplines. However, women’s involvement in others has been steadily declining over the last few decades. The problem is not simply a matter of numbers. Women’s historical exclusion from STEM has had a profound impact on the generation of scientific knowledge within these disciplines as well as on how scientific knowledge has been applied.
Outline
Although the topics introduced will overlap from one unit to another, this course is divided into four discrete units. Each unit begins with a set of learning objectives. Within each unit you will find two related sections, each with its own required readings, commentaries, and embedded reflection questions.
- Unit 1—Women in STEM: An Overview
- Unit 2—Theoretical Frameworks
- Unit 3—The “Cultures” Within
- Unit 4—Negotiating Change
Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to provide you with the resources that will inform your knowledge and understanding about how women’s roles in the STEM fields have evolved over time, the major forces contributing to this evolution, and the consequences of women’s exclusion from STEM.
This course draws on sociological, feminist, and historical theory, data, and interpretations to explore women’s roles in STEM and computing disciplines. When you participate fully in this course–through studying the assigned materials and completing all of the tasks that are set out for you–you should have a critical awareness and knowledge of:
- the personal and social consequences of gender stereotyping
- how methods of social inquiry and theory affect our understanding and knowledge of women’s place in STEM education and careers
- factors affecting women’s participation and exclusion in STEM education and careers
- consequences of women’s exclusion on the production of scientific and technical knowledge
- meaningful strategies to negotiate change that will promote women’s greater involvement in STEM.
Evaluation
To receive credit for this course, students must participate in the online activities, successfully complete the assignments, and achieve a final mark of at least 60 per cent. Students should be familiar with the Master of Arts—Interdisciplinary Studies grading system. Please note that it is students' responsibility to maintain their program status. Any student who receives a grade of "F" in one course, or a grade of "C" in more than one course, may be required to withdraw from the program.
The following table summarizes the evaluation activities and the credit weights associated with them.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 20% |
| Assignment 2 | 20% |
| Assignment 3 | 20% |
| Assignment 4 | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Bystydzienski, J., & Bird, S. (Ed.)(2006). Women in academic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics: Removing barriers. Bloomington & Indianapolis: Indiana University Press.
Harding, S. (2008). Sciences from below: Feminisms, postcolonialities, and modernities. Durham & London: Duke University Press.
Rosser, S. (2004). The science glass ceiling: Academic women scientists and the struggle to succeed. NY: Routledge. ( Note: This text will form the basis for the final assignment in this course. )
Schiebinger, L. (Ed.)(2008). Gendered innovations in science and engineering. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press
Athabasca University Online Materials
Course Home Page: You will find Course Information (including the Assignment File and other pertinent information) at the top of the course home page. You will also find your Study Guide presented unit by unit online. You will find your assignments and links to submit your work to your professor on the course home page.
Athabasca University Library: Students are encouraged to browse the Library's Web site to review the Library collection of journal databases, electronic journals, and digital reference tools: http://library.athabascau.ca.