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The University of Texas at Arlington College of Education / Women’s Studies
Women in Science EDUC/WOMS 4325-001 POCA 132 Spring 2004 Tuesday/Thursday 12:30 – 1:50 |
Instructor: Dr. Ashley Campbell
Offices: POCA 117 / LS 108
Office Hours: 2:00-3:00 Tuesday/Thursday and by appointment
Phone: 817-272-1262 (POCA) / 817-272-5145 (LS)
Mailbox: College of Education, P.O. Box 19227
Email: ashley.campbell@uta.edu
Instructor web site: cos.uta.edu/campbell
Course web site: http://webct.uta.edu/webct/public/home.pl
The mission of The University of Texas at Arlington is to pursue knowledge, truth and excellence in a student-centered academic community characterized by shared values, unity of purpose, diversity of opinion, mutual respect, and social responsibility. The University is committed to lifelong learning through its academic and continuing education programs, to discovering new knowledge through research and to enhancing its position as a comprehensive educational institution with bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and non-degree continuing education programs.
The mission of the UTA College of Education is to develop and deliver an educational program that ensures the highest teacher and administrator preparation and performance and to be a recognized contributor in the field of educational research and practice through effective teaching, quality research, and meaningful service. The College is committed to the advancement of teaching and learning in all educational environments, at all levels, and for all students. The College’s collaboratively developed shared vision is based on core values, dispositions, and commitments of:
*Excellence
*Learner-Centered Environment
*Research-Based
*Collaboration
*Diversity
*Technology
*Field Experiences
*Life-Long Learning (College of Education Conceptual Framework, 2002)
Required Textbook(s) and Materials:
Thom, M. (2001). Balancing the Equation: Where are Women and Girls in Science, Engineering, and Technology? New York: National Council for Research on Women.
Admission ticket to the Women’s Museum in Dallas ($5.00).
Online access to participate in WebCT activities, to access Course E-Reserves through www.uta.edu/library, and to communicate with instructor via e-mail.
Course Description: Explores the role of women in science. Emphasis on gender and science, the history of women in science, gender equity in the classroom, strategies for the retention of women scientists, the current culture/climate for women in science, and contemporary women in science. This class will challenge students to think critically about the role of women in science throughout history and up to the present day. The course supports diversity in the sciences and the retention of females in the “science pipeline.”
Course Learning Goals/Objectives:
By the completion of this course, the successful student will:
1. Develop an understanding of the history and current culture of women in science.
2. Demonstrate the ability to integrate the role of women scientists into science instruction.
3. Explore and apply a variety of instructional strategies and resources appropriate for teaching science emphasizing gender equity.
4. Explore the use of technology as a vehicle for classroom instruction.
5. Develop professional, collaborative, inquiring and reflective attitudes and behaviors required in promoting gender equity in the classroom.
6. Demonstrate proficiency at locating and analyzing appropriate reference materials and professional resources that enable one to remain current in the field of women’s studies and science education.
Attendance and Participation:
Attendance will be taken each class session. Excused absences may be given with prior approval at the discretion of the instructor by e-mail or phone contact. Two unexcused absences will result in lowering the final grade by one letter grade. Two instances of tardiness or exiting early will equal one absence.
Cell phones and beepers
Please turn off cell phones and beepers so as not to disturb others during class time. Advise the instructor when personal circumstances require any different communication access.
Drop Policy: The drop policy for this class is in accordance with the policies and procedures published in the Spring Class Schedule.
Specific Course Requirements:
Attendance/Participation – 10 %
In addition to regular attendance, each class member is asked to
bring 2 discussion questions (preferably 1 research/1 biography) from the daily reading to each class session. Participation in some class sessions will rely solely on WebCT (either chat sessions or threaded discussions.)
Women in Science Website Review – 5% - Sign-up sheet
Select an exemplary website related to women in science from the “Directory of Resources” in your text (p. 124). Prepare a 10 minute presentation and a one-page handout of this website for your peers. See rubric for grading criteria.
Try to remember the first time you were interested in science—whether it was asking questions to your parents/guardians about the world around you or your own explorations of the world. From that point, trace your science history. Were there any outside influences (mentors) for your interest in science? How did your family and friends influence you regarding science? What observations have you made about male/female roles in science classes from elementary school to the university level? You may include clip art or photos in this assignment. (approx. 3 double spaced pages)
Women Scientists in the Movies -OR- Mini-CAST 10 % - Due March 11
How are women scientists portrayed in popular movies today? Select a movie with a woman scientist as a leading character. Describe how the woman scientist is portrayed and relate your findings to class readings and other literature on women in science. Include possible classroom applications (~2 pages). Be prepared to give a synopsis to the class. A list of suggested movies include: Contact, Gorillas in the Mist, Jurassic Park, Madame Curie, Medicine Man, Outbreak, The Saint.
This is your opportunity to reflect upon the class readings and discussions.
(2 entries of 2 double spaced pages – min.)
Learning in Action – PROJECT – 25% - Must be completed by April 27
For this assignment, you will create a finished project appropriate for presentation to a Metroplex-area classroom. Your intended audience may be an elementary (grade 5), mid-level, or secondary classroom. Be prepared to actually present your project to students.
Ideas for possible projects:
v Biographical presentation of famous woman in science with related hands-on science activity – expected length of presentation 20-30 minutes.
v Women in Science WebQuest… see http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquest.html to learn more about WebQuests.
v An innovative PowerPoint presentation about Women in Science, appropriate for school age students.
v Your own creation, pending instructor approval.
Each student will meet with instructor in February to discuss project ideas. Grading criteria will be set for each individual project in February.
FINAL EXAM – 20 % – Thurs. May 13, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Format may include multiple choice, matching, short answer, and essay questions. Details will be provided in class.
Grade Calculation:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C= 70-79
D= 65-69
F = 64 or less
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): If you are a student who requires accommodations in compliance with the ADA, please consult with me at the beginning of the semester. As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide “reasonable accommodation” to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Your responsibility is to inform me of the disability at the beginning of the semester and provide me with documentation authorizing the specific accommodation. Student services at UTA include the Office for Students with Disabilities (located in the lower level of the University Center) which is responsible for verifying and implementing accommodations to ensure equal opportunity in all programs and activities.
Student Support Services: The University supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. They include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.
Academic Honesty: Academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form at The University of Texas at Arlington. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
“Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.” (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2., Subdivision 3.22).
Bomb Threats: If anyone is tempted to call in a bomb threat, be aware that UTA will attempt to trace the phone call and prosecute all responsible parties. Every effort will be made to avoid cancellation of presentations/tests caused by bomb threats. Unannounced alternate sites will be available for these classes. Your instructor will make you aware of alternate class sites in the event that your classroom is not available.