HIS 116: Lost Women of Science

Course Description

This course will survey the topic “Lost Women of Science.” Students will be introduced to women scientists and their significant contributions. Women have always been in science despite access to education in the 21st century. Research has revealed that women are eager to study science and math, but study show early in their schooling girls tend to give up their science. Today, our most talented women and minorities are encouraged to compete for work in many scientific professions globally.  In this course, we will examine women work in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Finally, we will reflect on the present and future of women in science. (1 credit)

Prerequisite

  • None

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe how women have historically contributed to science.
  2. Examine and assess theoretical and gender issues in science related to women’s work in the field.
  3. Apply multidisciplinary approach of analysis to women in science.
  4. Recognize early women scientist and their heroic stories.
  5. Examine the 1950 to present day diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds of women scientist.
  6. Demonstrate and gain in-depth knowledge about one or two area of women science and technology.
  7. Explain women’s work across scientific professional fields.
  8. Describe what is the future for women in science.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1-5)

40%

Writing Assignments - Ted Talk - By Brilliant Women (Weeks 1-3)

30%

Writing Assignment - Show Case Women Scientist (Week 4)

5%

Final Project - PowerPoint (Week 5)

25%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

  • Le-May Sheffield, S (2006). Women and Science: Social Impact and Interaction. Rutgers University Press. New Brunswick, New Jersey. ISBN-13: 978-0813537375

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1,2,3

Topics: Historical  and Theoretical Perspective Overview

  • Reading:
    • Textbook, Chapter 1: Constructing a New Science: The Masculine Tradition
  • Review Course Syllabus, policies, and course content in Blackboard course shell
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Participate in weekly discussions
  • Submit Assignment - Brilliant Women in STEM -Ted Talk Critique Writing Activity – A celebrating of women scientists and why we need more of them

2

2,4,5

Topics: Women Scientist - Space,  Physics, The Earth & Genetics

  • Reading:
    • Textbook, Chapter 2: Women’s Bodies, Women’s Minds: The Science of Women
    • Textbook, Chapter 3: Women Doing Science: Multiple Avenues
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in weekly discussions
  • Submit Assignment - Brilliant Women in STEM -Ted Talk Critique Writing Activity – How I feel in love with quasars, blazers and our incredible universe

3

2,6,7

Topics: Women Scientist Biology & The Environment

  • Reading:
    • Textbook, Chapter 4: Women’s Education in Science
    • Textbook, Chapter 5: Professionalizing Women Scientists
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in weekly discussions
  • Submit Assignment - Brilliant Women in STEM -Ted Talk Critique Writing Activity – How Bacteria Talk?

4

1,5,7

Topic: Women Scientist  Medicine & Technology

  • Reading:
    • Textbook, Chapter 6: Women’s Advancement in Science Since World War II
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Participate in weekly discussions
  • Submit Assignment - Showcase:  Women of Science – STEM Contributions

5

1,7

Topic: Future for Women in Science

  • Readings:
    • Textbook, Chapter 7: Creating a Future for Women in Science
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Participate in weekly discussions
  • Submit Assignment - Final Project: Scientist Profile PowerPoint
  • Complete Course Evaluation
  • Review Course Syllabus, policies, and course content in Blackboard course shell
  • Participate in weekly discussion follow directions in the discussion prompt for the required citation style APA

Brilliant Women in STEM -Ted Talk Critique Writing Activity – A celebrating of women scientist – and why we need more of

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.