STS 244 - Topics in Feminist and Queer Politics and Activism

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

This course introduces students to various methodologies of gender studies and feminist analysis, with an emphasis on feminist and queer histories of knowledge formation, social activism, and cultural engagement. What kind of movements, societal transformations, kinship relations, cultural spaces, or political structures have feminist and queer actors pursued and brought into being? Differences within and around feminist and queer movements will be explored, as we consider the complicated paths from theory to praxis in global and postcolonial settings.

Topic for 2025/26a: Feminism, Science and Technology. (Same as WFQS 244) In this course we explore how feminism impacts our perceptions of and activism around science and technology. We ask, how do culture and politics affect the meanings, purpose and use of science and technology? To answer that question we examine feminist theories of science and technology, probe the claims of science about gender and race since the 19th century; investigate the meaning and workings of anti-colonial science, learn about the work of marginalized people in science; and scrutinize feminist modes of approaching technology. Furthermore, we inquire as to what changes can be made in the domains of science and technology to further a more just society. Jill Schneiderman.

Prerequisite(s): One prior course in WFQS or permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS