Science and Pharmacy in History II

Course content

Introduction:
In this course, the topics of the lecture course "History of Natural Sciences with focus on History of Pharmacy I" are deepened and continued by presenting and elaborating selected, particularly important epochs and topics of the history of pharmacy and science. The course can also be attended independently of the lecture course.

The topic this semester is Science and Gender. Gender relations are intertwined with science on various levels; the gender of the persons doing it can be focussed (Gender of Science), in addition we can analyse how different sciences explain the phenomenon of "gender" (Science of Gender). Finally, preconceptions and stereotypes about gender may be introduced into scientific knowledge unnoticed or implicitly (Gender in Science). Historical changes can be detected on all three levels - starting with the increasing presence of women in science and technology, regarding the recent process of the differentiation of scientific knowledge about the "biology" "gender", including persisting stereotypes about women's biology and behaviour, like their allegedly greater sensitivity to pain or the presumed dependence of gender-typical behaviors on a certain hormone status.

The seminar will provide an overview of the different approaches and research methods in the field of feminist history and research of science and will explore the three levels mentioned above through a selection of case studies.

Further information:
The language of the seminar is bilingual (English / German). A mandatory preliminary meeting will take place online on 25 April between 18:30 and 19:00.