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  3. Feminist & Queer Perspectives on Science

Feminist & Queer Perspectives on Science (GEND40009)

HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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September
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This subject focuses on the productive intersection between feminist and queer theories and Science, Technology, and Society (STS). Engagement with feminist and queer theories will deepen understanding of scientific research and knowledge production and will offer a critical understanding on how various conceptual, epistemological and ontological assumptions are produced and challenged. Feminist and queer theories will foreground how gender and other structures of inequalities such as race, class, sexuality, and ablebodiedness inform inquiry into any topic in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

The first part of the subject will focus on foundational texts that offer a critical analysis of binaries such as nature/culture, and subjectivity/objectivity. The second part of the subject will explore contemporary trends in feminist and queer STS such as decolonial feminist approach, new materialism, and critical posthumanism among others.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should have:

  • A detailed knowledge and critical understanding of feminist & queer theories on science and technology
  • The ability to apply high level analysis, conceptual sophistication and critical thinking in the field of feminist and queer theories on science and technology, having developed mastery over different approaches (feminist decolonial, new materialism, and critical posthumanism)
  • The ability to apply critical skills and methods to analyse the contemporary issues related to science and technology across a wide range of cultural contexts and socio-political settings
  • A firm grasp of national and international debates on science and technology and develop the ability to evaluate specific issues in contemporary societies from feminist, and queer perspectives.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Develop independent thought and arguments
  • Be receptive of new ideas and opinions through class participation and discussions
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication through class participation, discussions and written assignments
  • Show flexibility, tolerance and cooperation with people from diverse background
  • Show time management and planning through organizing workloads for recommended reading and assessment requirements.
 
 

Last updated: 6 June 2024