A2. Women and Science: A Work in Progress

Over the past several decades, women have begun to gain access to and respect in professions long characterized by the near total exclusion of and prejudice against females.  The so-called hard” sciences (particularly physics, chemistry, astronomy, and mathematics), however, have been barely creeping forward in this long-overdue correction of past injustices. What’s going on here? 

We will explore some of the structural, educational, and social barriers that help to account for this unfortunate state of affairs.  We will also learn about some of the many brave and brilliant women who challenged the odds and became distinguished leaders in this most recalcitrant of fields, albeit often with significant damage to their personal lives and well-being.

Les Blatt is Emeritus Professor of Physics and Education at Clark University.  His research interests include work in experimental nuclear physics and astrophysics as well as modern approaches to learning science.  He has created and taught WISE courses on a variety of topics, mostly where the sciences intersect with other aspects of our life including art, music, energy and climate.

No required books, supplementary materials will be provided by instructor

Optional Book: Magnificent Minds, by Pendred E. Noyce, ISBN 978-1-943431-25-0 (paperback) Amazon has it listed at $9.06, or you may be able to find it at your local library.