Reproduction, Birth, and Power

CRN: 10358 (8 cr), 10359 (16 cr)
Note: This program is offered in both 8 credit and 16 credit options. For both options, students will attend class from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays (SEM 2 B1105). Students enrolling for 16 credits will have additional class times during the daytime each week.

Why is the rate of cesarean section births rising? What are the ethical implications when parents choose for certain traits in embryo selection? How do our ideas of masculinity shape male reproductive health? How is infertility experienced differently by men, women and across race and class? This program will explore the biological, historical, sociological, psychological and ethical issues related to reproduction and childbirth in the U.S. We will learn basic female and male reproductive physiology in humans, including the physical processes involved in birth. Through film, reading and discussion stimulated by multiple guest speakers from the community, students will examine the history and sociology of conception, pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period; ethical issues in fertility (including infertility) and obstetrics; power and hierarchy in reproductive health care; and breakthroughs in the technologies of reproduction. This program is appropriate for students interested in careers in medicine, midwifery, nursing, sociology or public health, as well as those interested in the personal and societal issues related to reproduction and birth.

Students who elect to take the program for 16 credits will learn additional content in theory of the body and one or more of the following topics (depending on student interest and project-work): research methods related to studying reproductive issues, epistemology (i.e. theory of knowledge; how do we know what we know), and/or feminist approaches to the philosophy of science. Students registered for 16 credits will also engage in an internship or a significant group or individual research/writing/creative project. Projects will be developed collaboratively, so it is not required to have a project idea prior to the start of the program. All projects and internships are subject to approval by the faculty. Please contact Laura Citrin via the link above if you wish to discuss a project or internship idea.