MAT130
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MAT 130: Women In Mathematics and Science

Prof. C Roemer & Prof P Castaldi

roemer@ucc.edu
908-497-4385
H-107

castaldi@ucc.edu
908-791-4947
Plainfield, Building 2,

Course Description

This course will focus on the contributions of women to the disciplines of mathematics and science, with both historical and contemporary references. Discussions will emphasize the obstacles encountered in entering these fields as a result of gender issues, as well as the impact these women have had upon their fields and society as a whole. Current trends in education and employment for women in the fields of mathematics and science will be explored. Course structure will combine a mix of lectures, discussion, group work, films and guest speakers.

3 Credit Hours 3 Lecture Hours

Prerequisite: MAT117 or Higher (MAT125 Recommended)

To promote information literacy, all students in this course will be expected to complete group projects and essays, which will demonstrate the connection between mathematics, science, and gender issues. Students will use print media or electronic resources to complete this requirement, evaluating, synthesizing, and documenting their sources in an approved style. (APA).

Course Objectives

bulletDemonstrate critical thinking in discussions and completion of research projects relevant to women in the sciences.
bulletCommunicate effectively with others in group projects, interviews, and presentations.
bulletDemonstrate an awareness of the diverse factors that influence the role of women in the sciences by examining historical and contemporary trends in the sciences.
bulletLearn independently and direct their own course of learning and specialization and be able to present those findings to a group of peers.
bulletRecognize the basic differences of gender and sexuality that vary across time, place, politics and ideologies for women in the sciences.
bulletCompare and contrast the role and portrayal of women in the sciences, particularly during times of significant scientific endeavors.
bulletDemonstrate knowledge of the important female figures within the sciences.
bulletDiscuss the specific contributions of selected women to the fields of science.
bulletRecognize the need for continuing efforts to assure equality of women in the sciences.

Tentative Course Outline

Time Topic

2 Weeks Introduction/Background/Culture & Difficulties Encountered

2 Weeks Highlight Key Figures/Sample Biographies

1 Week Selected Film Highlighting Key Female Personality or Related Course Topic

3 Weeks Group Work in Class and Student Presentations of Research

1 Week Group Work Culmination Summary/Discussion/Essay

1 Week Guest Speaker Relevant to Course Topics

1 Week Discussion/Impact of Math/Science/Tech on Women

Outline Interview Assignment

1 Week Interview Assignment

2 Weeks Interview Discussions

1 Week Selected Readings and/or Film Discussions

Portrayals of Women in these Disciplines

1 Week Current Trends/Summarize

Evaluation

Grading will be based on:

Attendance/Participation 10%

Research Paper/Presentation 40%

Essay/Midterm (Compare & Contrast Selected Bios) 35%

Interviews/Presentation 15%

Text

No Required Texts. There will be a variety of assigned readings from a variety of print and online media resources. The readings will vary to some extent each time the course is presented, depending on the needs and preferences of the class and contemporary events.

References

Print

Crossroads in Mathematics

Programs Reflecting the Standards

American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges

June 1999

Multicultural and Gender Equity in the Mathematics Classroom

The Gift of Diversity

1997 Yearbook

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Edited By: Janet Trentacosta and Margaret J. Kenney

Principles and Standards for School Mathematics

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

2000 NCTM

The Door in the Dream: Conversations with Eminent Women in Science. 2000.

Journals/Popular Media

New York Times

Newsweek

Star Ledger

Time Magazine

Transformations: The New Jersey Project Journal

US News & World Report

Online

About.com - Biographies of Notable Women: Science & Medicine

Women's history guide present this directory of profiles.

www.womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/bibio_list-science.htm

AWSEM: Advocates for Women in Science, Engineering and Mathematics

This organization works to support young women's interest in science, engineering, mathematics and technology.

www.awsem.com

Historical Women in Science

Learn more about over 25 women scientists in fields like physics, medicine, and ecology.

www.women-scientists-in-history.com

4000 Years of Women in Science Biography Listing

Browse through a list of women scientists from ancient times to the twentieth century and read about their accomplishments in the field.

www.astr.ua.edu/4000WS/summary.shtml

Association for Women in Science

Organization with publications, activities, and programs to increase education and employment opportunities.

www.awis.org

History of Women and Science, Health, and Technology

Find a detailed annotated bibliography of research material on women's roles in the scientific professions throughout history.

www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/WomensSTudies/bibliogs/hws/hws.htm

Nobel Prize Women in Science

National Academy Press presents the full text of this book on female Nobel laureates in the sciences.

www.nap.edu/catalog/10016.html

Academic Info - Women's Studies: Women in Science

Features annotated links to research materials on the history of women scientists.

www.academicinfo.net/womensci.html

The Math Forum—Women

Math Library—Minorities http://mathforum.org/social/math.women.html

Weaving Gender Equity

The following is a list of web sites, videos, and CD-ROMS related to equity in education. "The Achievement Gap." Despite decades of attention, gaps in the achievement of minority students remain one of the most pressing problems in education. http://www.terc.edu; http://www.terc.edu/wge/rgelectronic.html

Women Mathematicians
Biographies of Women Mathematicians Welcome to the web page for biographies of women in mathematics. These pages are part of an on-going project by students in mathematics classes at Agnes Scott College, in Atlanta, Georgia.
http://www.agnesscott.edu/lriddle/women/women.htm

http://www.agnesscott.edu/lriddle/women/chronol.htm

NASA

Women's Contributions to Aeronautics and Space Historical Milestones The contribution of women to the mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration dates back to NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee... http://www.nasa.gov/women/milestones.html

Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM)
The AWM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and promoting women and girls in the mathematical sciences including pure mathematics, statistics, and applied math.
http://www.awm-math.org/

Contributions of Twentieth Century Women to Physics
Contributions of 20th CenturyWomen http://www.physics.ucla.edu/~cwp/

Women in Mathematics (Ada Lovelace)
The Best of mathNEWS - Women in Mathematics (Ada Lovelace)
http://www.mathnews.uwaterloo.ca/BestOf/WomenInMath7103.html

Past Notable Women of Computing & Mathematics
Honoring the close connection between mathematics and computing, TAP provides information on pioneers in both areas. Past Notable Women of Mathematics Past Notable Women of Computing TAP's Photo Gallery of Women and Computers Other Resources

http://www.cs.yale.edu/homes/tap/past-women.html

Women And Mathematics Network Information Server - History
Women and Mathematics Information History pages provides links to site about women in mathematics history.
http://www.mystery.com/WAM/resources/history.html

Videos

Connecting the Past With the Future: Women in Mathematics and Science Video
Curriculum Publications Clearinghouse - Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 800-322-3905