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Academic Year 2002/2003

The Production of Knowledge
SOC 237 FA
Crosslistings:
SISP 203
WMST 238

In sociology, the social studies of science, and in feminist theory, there are competing claims about the status of truth and the nature of reality. These claims rely on two very different epistemological foundations--positivism and constructivism. While the primary focus of this class is on the relationship among science, technology, and society, it also explores how these epistemological assumptions shape sociological and feminist theories on other topics. To illuminate the differences in these assumptions, the class is organized into two sections. In the first we address the epistemological assumptions of positivism, and in the second we discuss the epistemological assumptions of constructivism. In each case we examine the ways these assumptions are manifested in both the research strategies and theoretical analysis of each discipline--sociology, social studies of science, and feminist theory. In so doing there are twin goals: to explore how each assumption produces knowledge differently and to examine the strengths and weaknesses of each position and discuss the ways to use them to construct theory.

MAJOR READINGS

Fay, SOCIAL THEORY AND POLITICAL PRACTICE Merton, THE SOCIOLOGY OF SCIENCE Barnes and Edge, SCIENCE IN CONTEXT Latour and Woolgar, LABORATORY LIFE Martin, FLEXIBLE BODIES Nelken, CONTROVERSIES Perrow, NORMAL ACCIDENTS Bleier, FEMINIST APPROACHES TO SCIENCE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two take-home essay examinations, class presentations, and a reading journal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

A prerequisite override form, secured through the Registrar's Office, will be available for SISP and WMST majors and pre-med students. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS SOC    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: SOC151 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003

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