Syllabus academic year 2008/2009
(Created 2008-07-17.)
GENDER IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERINGGEMF05

Higher education credits: 7,5. Grading scale: UG. Level: G2 (First level). Language of instruction: The course will be given in English. GEMF05 overlap following cours/es: TEK175 och TEK175. Optional for: A3, B2, BI3, C4, D4, E2, F2, I3, K2, L4, M4, MD4, N2, Pi4, RH4, V4, W4. Course coordinator: Tomas Brage, Tomas.Brage@fysik.lu.se och Sara Goodman, Sara.Goodman@genus.lu.se, Fysiska inst (MN). Prerequisites: At least one year of studies at LTH or similar. The course might be cancelled if the numer of applicants is less than 5. The number of participants is limited to 16 Selection criteria: Credits remaining for the degree. Assessment: At least 80% attendance at lectures and participation in project meetings is required, the grade of pass on papers (for the theory part of the course) as well as the grade of pass on the project work, oral presentation of the project and written report on the project. The possibility of oral presentation of project work is given once a term. Parts: 2. Home page: http://utbildning.fysik.lu.se/genuskurs.

Aim
The aim of this course is to give an understanding of how gender analysis can be relevant within the student’s own field of study.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

- have knowledge about gender relations historically and in contemporary society

- have knowledge of central theories and concepts within gender studies

- have insight on gender research and studies gender of natural sciences and technology

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

- have developed the ability to think critically and independently about relationships between gender and social structure

- be able to analyse and reflect upon her/his own university education, using a gender perspective

- have strengthened her/his ability to write, analyze and to give oral presentations.

Contents
1) Introduction to gender studies.

The first part of the course gives a brief introduction to the field of gender studies. Different theories within gender studies are presented. Particular attention is given to the concepts of gender, masculinity and femininity and to how these concepts can be used as analytical tools. This course explores thematically power relations and the social construction of gender in everyday and working life with particular focus on historical and social science research regarding science and technology. Additionally attention will be given to current research regarding equality, gender theory and education in relation to science and technology.

2) Project.

In this part of the course, the course participants, preferably in groups, will carry out a gender analysis of their own university educations. This may include a gender analysis of aspects of university education such as forms of examination, the organisation and structure of course, course literature, laboratory work, lectures and interactions between students, teachers and teaching assistants. The projects are completed through an oral presentation and a written report.

Literature
Please see the approved list course literature, which is available at least five weeks before the start of the course.

Parts

Code: 0107. Name: Project.
Higher education credits: 4,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Written and oral presentation of project.

Code: 0207. Name: Home Exercises and Attendence.
Higher education credits: 3. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Pass on all papers.