Gender and Technology

This course is offered in the ITI major at the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.

In this course, we use readings, writing and class discussion to:
+Understand feminist critiques of science/technology.
+Understand strategies for thinking about technology as it affects everyday life.
+Develop a critical analysis of a public policy area in technology that has consequences for gender.
+Recognize the importance and processes of innovation as they impact gender in technology-based industries.
+Engage in informal study groups and team projects to foster opportunities for students to interact creatively and productively.
+Identify the barriers to the recruitment and retention of women in technology industries.
+Develop recommendations regarding strategies to overcome barriers in the workplace.

Contact Assignments FAQ Tips for Success in This Class

Assignments
Student Participation
- Students are expected to attend all classes; if you expect to miss a class, please use the University absence reporting website to indicate the date and reason for your absence. An email will automatically be sent to the instructor from this system. Note that if you must miss classes for longer than one week, you should contact a dean of students to help verify your circumstances. Students are allowed three absences (excused or unexcused) in this class before their participation grade is affected. Attendance will be taken in each class. If you are more than 15 minutes late or leave more than 15 minutes early, you are considered absent.
- Working in small groups, students will take turns serving as “discussion leaders” for the readings each week, presenting key ideas from, and responses to, the readings, raising questions for discussion, and presenting other relevant articles or websites related to or enriching the readings.
Reading Quizzes

Throughout the semester, there will be six unannounced reading quizzes. The lowest score for each student will be dropped, such that only the student’s top five scores are graded. Whereas classroom discussion is intended to provide students with an opportunity to engage each other critically on the readings, quizzes are intended to make sure that students have a basic grasp of the reading material ahead of class.

Midterm Exam

The midterm exam will consist of short answer and essay questions that test the students’ ability to analyze concepts covered in the class and the readings and articulate their own views on the issues covered.

Research Paper

Students are expected to write a research paper (eight to 10 double-spaced pages) to be handed as scheduled (assignments details will be provided early in the semester). The topic of the research paper can draw from the themes discussed in the course and deal with an issue in more detail. Instructions for the research paper are listed in detail here.

Term Project

Instead of a final exam, the students will work in small groups on a project. Details of the assignment will be discussed early in the semester.

Gender and Technology

Student Participation

Midterm Exam

Research Paper

Term Project