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The Production of Knowledge SOC 237 FA

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

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS SOC

Prerequisites: SOC 151

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999