Gender in ICTD & HCI Research

CSE 599 (4 credits)

Instructors: Ruth Anderson & Jennifer Webster

Winter 2018 on M/W 3:30-4:50pm

This graduate seminar explores the topic of gender as related to computer science research, especially in the fields of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) and Human Computer Interaction (HCI). Students will engage in close readings of foundational texts on gender, as well as the emerging ICTD and HCI literature that uses gender analysis as a framework for research in both the West and in resource-constrained regions of the world. Through discussion and written assignments students will build a strong foundation for incorporating gender analysis into their research. They will also be able to more effectively evaluate the current work being conducted in the fields of ICTD and HCI as related to gender. Some of the topics under consideration will include gender as related to feminist HCI, design, health and safety, financial services, and mobile technologies and connectivity.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

• An appreciation for gender as an analytical category and the impact its application could have on computer science research.

• A critical and informed approach to evaluate and apply gender frameworks in ICTD and HCI research.

• A broad familiarity with the current and past research in ICTD and HCI that incorporates an analysis based on gender.

• An understanding of the benefits and constraints of using gender analysis.