Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 0.5, Discussion 0.5.
Half semester course. Examines the socialization process in the United States and how our perspectives are formed. An introduction to patriarchy, sexism, and ally development are explored. Skills to enhance communication and understanding among women and men will be developed. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Women's and Gender Studies. Contemporary status of women in the U.S. and worldwide from social, economic, historical, political, philosophical and literary perspectives. Analysis of intersection of gender, race, class, and sexuality. Subject matter includes work, health, sexuality, and violence. Foundation for the other courses in the program. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Study of contemporary and historic lesbian cultures and communities from a US and international perspective. Addresses issues of race, class, gender and sexuality as they intersect with the formation of lesbian identities. Explores who identifies as lesbian and how that dis/enables political resistance and formation of community. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: ENGL 1500
Interdisciplinary study of issues relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities in the U.S. Attention will be given to race and socioeconomic class. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Introduction to research and theory examining the ways gender and sexuality are conveyed through popular culture texts. Analysis of codes and their influence on the development of identities that shape how we view the world. Discussion of intersectional topics including race and class.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: WGS 2010 or 3 credits in WGS at 3000 level or above
Study of women in a range of cultures, depending on faculty specialization. Special emphasis on women in development seen in postcolonial context. Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
(Cross-listed with BIOL 3070/ WISE 3070).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: ENGL 2500; Sophomore classification
The interrelationships of women and science and engineering examined from historical, sociological, philosophical, and biological perspectives. Factors contributing to under-representation; feminist critiques of science; examination of successful strategies. Does not satisfy biology major advanced credit requirements. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with ENGL 3080).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: ENGL 2500
Writing and reading interpretive fiction written by women. Emphasis on stories that embody a female literary life, gender-specific ways of creating characters and conflicts, analytical reading and writing, workshop criticism and shared commentaries. Includes multi-modal projects.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with ENVS 3200).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: WGS 2010 or 3 credits in WGS at 3000 level or above
Women's relationships with the earth, non-human nature, and other humans. The course explores the connections between society's treatment of women and nature; origins of ecofeminism and how it relates to the science of ecology, conventional and sustainable agriculture as well as how ecofeminism relates to other branches of feminist philosophy. Evaluation and critique of modern science, technology, political systems and SOLUTIONS will be included.
(Cross-listed with ECON 3210).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: ECON 1010
Economic theories of discrimination. Analysis of the economic problems of women and minorities in such areas as earnings, occupations, and unemployment. Public policy concerning discrimination. Poverty measurement and antipoverty programs in the U.S. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
(Cross-listed with SPCM 3230).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Examination of how understanding and enactment of gender identity is shaped by communication. Verbal and nonverbal communication across various contexts including personal relationships and the media. Explores discourse of social movements aiming to transform cultural definitions of gender. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
Survey of how the media and popular culture portray gender and sexualities and the impact on individuals and society. Images of women, men, transgender as well as heterosexual, non-heterosexual and others. Studies both historical and emerging images in the media in terms of stereotypes and positive images.
(Cross-listed with SOC 3270).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Develop a foundational understanding of the role of gender and sexuality in society. Students will explore the biological, social, and cultural meanings of gender and sexuality and their intersections with class, race/ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status and other identities. Contemporary social science research, theories, and feminist perspectives as they relate to gender and sexuality, and explores gender and sexuality within families, education, the media, politics, and the economy. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
(Cross-listed with SOC 3280).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: SOC 1340 or WGS 2010
Examination of socially constructed and idealized images of manhood, the nature of social hierarchies and relations constructed on the basis of imagery, ideologies, and norms of masculinity. Theories on gender (sociological, psychological, and biological). Particular attention given to theory and research on gender variations among men by race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability and age.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with LDST 3330).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
An intersectional approach to understanding gender and leadership as it relates to women from various races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
(Cross-listed with RELIG 3360).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: (3 credits in RELIG or WGS) or Permission of Instructor
Gender and sexuality in the historical and contemporary contexts of various religious traditions. Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with PHIL 3380).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
A critical, theoretical examination of the philosophical and intellectual commitments that underlie feminist projects. Questions of identity, knowledge, and ethics will be considered from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Topics will include sex and gender, self and other, nature and nurture, masculinity and femininity, equity and justice, patriarchy, oppression, and intersectionality. 3 credits in PHIL or WGS recommended. (Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with RELIG 3390).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Focal study of selected global Goddess traditions in context, including American Goddess spirituality. Historical and cross-cultural images, identities, and discourses of female divinity.
(Cross-listed with ANTHR 3420).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Cross-cultural examination of gender and sexuality. Emphasis on global and transnational perspectives. Topics will include varied gender and sexual expressions, status and roles, intersectionality in global or transnational contexts, and the examination of systems of oppression cross-culturally. ANTHR 2010 or WGS 2010 recommended. Meets International Perspectives Requirement. (Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with BIOL 3440).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: BIOL 2120
Biology of human reproduction, including reproductive systems, hormones, and endocrinology of pregnancy, presented from a clinically-oriented perspective. Reviews health-related conditions such as infertility, sexually-transmitted diseases, and complicated pregnancy.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with PSYCH 3460).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: PSYCH 1010; 1 additional PSYCH course
Survey of theory and research related to major biological, interpersonal, and cultural issues affecting girls' and women's psychological development and behavior. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with PSYCH 3490X).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: PSYCH 1010; 3 additional credits in PSYCH
Development of major human sexual orientation identities (e.g., bisexual, gay, heterosexual, and lesbian) from a research perspective. How persons navigate life contexts (e.g., family, work, relationships) in connection with their sexual identity. Factors that enhance positive sexual orientation identity development.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with AFAM 3500).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: 3 credits in WGS or AFAM
Economic, social, political and cultural roles of Women of Color in the U.S. Includes literary, philosophical, and artistic expressions. Myths and realities explored.
(Cross-listed with FRNCH 3700F).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable.
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Readings, discussions, and papers in English. Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with GER 3700G).
Credits: 3-4. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Author, genre or period study, women writers, cinema, or contemporary theory. Three credits: English, open to all students. Four credits: Required for German concentration credit, supplementary readings and compositions in German. For enrollment in fourth credit, 6 credits in GER at the 3000-level. Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with RUS 3700R).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable.
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Author, genre or period study, women writers, cinema, or contemporary theory. Readings, discussions, and papers in English. Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with SPAN 3700S).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Author, genre or period study, women writers, cinema, or contemporary theory. Readings, discussions, and papers in English. May not be counted as a prerequisite. Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with HIST 3740/ CLST 3740).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Survey of the roles of women and others on the margins and the issues that impacted them in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Evidence from literature, the visual arts, and archaeology. Contemporary approaches to studying women, gender, and sexuality in ancient history. Intersections of gender categories with ideas of slave and free status, citizenship, and ethnicity. Readings from ancient and modern sources. Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with HIST 3800).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
History of women's relationship to the fields of science, technology, and medicine, as students and professionals, consumers, subjects and patients, family members, workers and citizens. Concentrates especially on 19th and 20th century United States, concluding with an examination of current issues of special interest to women in science, technology, and medicine. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
(Cross-listed with POLS 3850).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Entry and participation of women in politics in the United States and other countries. Contemporary issues and strategies for change through the political process. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement. (Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with HIST 3860).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
A survey of social, economic, and political aspects of women's role from colonial era to present; emphasis on employment, education, concepts of sexuality, and changing nature of the home. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
(Cross-listed with POLS 3870/ HIST 3870).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
Evolution of the role and office of the First Lady in U.S. history, including her political activism, social impact, and international influence. Analysis of the authority, intersectionality and agency of First Ladies in the aggregate and exploration of how individual First Ladies have interpreted and adapted this unique public position. Offered even-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: 3 credits in WGS at the 3000 level or above
Current theories of feminism, the feminine and sexual difference. Topics in race, class, sexuality, and ethnicity as they are addressed in diverse feminisms. May include readings in lesbian, Black, postcolonial, psychoanalytic and postmodern thought. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
(Dual-listed with SOC 5100/ WGS 5100).
(Cross-listed with SOC 4100).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: WGS 2010 or 3 credits in WGS at 3000 level or above
Issues related to human trafficking and modern-day slavery in the US and world. History of and concepts defining forms of violence experienced by trafficking victims and methods used to recruit and control victims. Students will learn how to educate others about this crime against humanity. Examines international, federal, and state legislation to prevent human trafficking. Graduation Restriction: Only one of WGS 4100 may count toward graduation.
(Dual-listed with WGS 5250).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Race, ethnicity, class and gender distinctions and intersections lead to inequitable distributions of power, social well-being, and resources. Explores how inequities are institutionalized and how multiple identities are experienced by women in daily life. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: WGS 2010 or 3 credits in WGS at 3000 level or above
Historical roots of consumer culture, political economy, technology, and how the rise of the mass-market intersects with cultural ideas of gender, race, class, and sexuality. How gender, as well as personal and group identities, is formed through all forms of consumption. Examination of gendered advertising, material goods, and lifestyles created around specific acts of consumption.
(Dual-listed with WGS 5350).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: WGS 3010
Cross-cultural study of historical and contemporary dimensions of gender, globalization and development. Explores the interdependence of socio-economic and political aspects of globalization using feminist postcolonial and transnational frameworks. Analyses of case studies and activism in contexts of economic livelihoods, environmental justice, and cross-border migrations.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: WGS 2010 or 3 credits in WGS at 3000 level or above
Social, economic, political, and cultural variables that influence and shape sports, especially for girls and women. Topics include Title IX, coaching and administrative challenges for women, media and gender, and issues related to eating disorders, homophobia, and gender identity in sport.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: WGS 2010 or 3 credits in WGS at 3000 level or above
Advanced research and theory related to special topics and issues in women's and gender studies. Specific topics indicated in the schedule of classes. Graduation Restriction: A maximum of 6 credits of WS / WGS 4500 can count toward graduation.
(Cross-listed with HIST 4570).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
The social construction of American sexualities from the colonial era to the present with particular emphasis on how ideas about sex and sexuality have shaped American public life, including education, public policy, party politics, and racial justice. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement.
(Dual-listed with AMD 5580/ WGS 5580).
(Cross-listed with AMD 4580).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Focus on analyzing the dressed and undressed body of individuals in the queer and trans communities in various cultural contexts with a focus on material culture. Examine concepts related to gender and sexuality and the changing definitions and representations of individuals who identify in the queer and trans communities focusing on appearance, fashion, and the body. Historic and current representations of fashion, styles, and appearances will be analyzed and discussed. Attention to how sexuality and gender intersect with and shape other identities including race, ability, body size, and class. Examine the complex structures, systems, and ideologies that uphold discrimination and unequitable distribution of power and resources as related to the course material. Attention will mostly be given to North American perspectives. We will use material culture to explore how objects related to fashioning the body reveal lived experiences about the owners and consumers. Offered even-numbered years. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) Requirement. (Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with ENGL 4600).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Junior standing
Selected readings of various authors, movements, eras, or genres. Readings in criticism; required research paper.
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Independent study on a topic in Women's Studies.No More Than 6 Credits Of WS 4900 May Be Applied Toward Requirements For The Women's Studies Major.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification; permission of department
Internship designed to provide an application of Women's and Gender Studies principles and methods in a workplace. To be arranged with an internal or external employer and conducted under the supervision of a member of the Women's Studies faculty.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
(Cross-listed with ARTH 4940).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Issues of gender related to cultural environments from the Middle Ages to contemporary times in Europe and America. Feminist movement beginning in the 1970s and specifically gender issues in art that are becoming widespread in the artistic culture.
Credits: 3.
Prereq: Senior classification; Permission of Instructor
Senior thesis to be independently researched and written under the supervision of a member of the Women's Studies faculty.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Advanced study of current theoretical developments in Women's Studies in the U.S. and around the world. Examination of the epistemological bases of feminist scholarship. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Focus on feminist interdisciplinary research methods. Analysis of contemporary issues facing feminist scholars. Students conduct original research. (Typically Offered: Spring)
(Dual-listed with SOC 4100/ WGS 4100).
(Cross-listed with SOC 5100).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Issues related to human trafficking and modern-day slavery in the US and world. History of and concepts defining forms of violence experienced by trafficking victims and methods used to recruit and control victims. Students will learn how to educate others about this crime against humanity. Examines international, federal, and state legislation to prevent human trafficking. Graduation Restriction: Only one of WGS 4100 may count toward graduation.
(Dual-listed with WGS 4250).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Race, ethnicity, class and gender distinctions and intersections lead to inequitable distributions of power, social well-being, and resources. Explores how inequities are institutionalized and how multiple identities are experienced by women in daily life.
(Dual-listed with WGS 4350).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Cross-cultural study of historical and contemporary dimensions of gender, globalization and development. Explores the interdependence of socio-economic and political aspects of globalization using feminist postcolonial and transnational frameworks. Analyses of case studies and activism in contexts of economic livelihoods, environmental justice, and cross-border migrations.
(Cross-listed with ENGL 5450).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Primary texts by women writers; historical, thematic, formal, or theoretical approaches; secondary readings; e.g., Nineteenth-Century Women Writers; American Women's Personal Narratives; Southern Women Writers of the U.S.
(Dual-listed with AMD 4580/ WGS 4580).
(Cross-listed with AMD 5580).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Focus on analyzing the dressed and undressed body of individuals in the queer and trans communities in various cultural contexts with a focus on material culture. Examine concepts related to gender and sexuality and the changing definitions and representations of individuals who identify in the queer and trans communities focusing on appearance, fashion, and the body. Historic and current representations of fashion, styles, and appearances will be analyzed and discussed. Attention to how sexuality and gender intersect with and shape other identities including race, ability, body size, and class. Examine the complex structures, systems, and ideologies that uphold discrimination and unequitable distribution of power and resources as related to the course material. Attention will mostly be given to North American perspectives. We will use material culture to explore how objects related to fashioning the body reveal lived experiences about the owners and consumers. Offered even-numbered years. (Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with HIST 5860).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Readings in women's and gender history.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Independent study on a topic in Women's Studies.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
(Cross-listed with ARTH 5940).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Issues of gender related to cultural environments from the Middle Ages to contemporary times in Europe and America. Feminist movement beginning in the 1970s and specifically gender issues in art that are becoming widespread in the artistic culture.
Courses for graduate students:
(Cross-listed with ELPS 6210).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Critical examination of the theoretical foundations of contemporary and historical pedagogical traditions that seek to challenge the status quo, expand justice,and deepen democracy. (Typically Offered: Spring)