Women's Studies
Program: Women's and Gender Studies
Degree: Women's Studies (B.A., B.S.)
Women’s Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a cross-disciplinary program in which students may elect a minor or a major. Women’s Studies provides an opportunity for students to examine women’s roles, contributions, and status in social and cultural context and to investigate a variety of disciplines from feminist perspectives. Women’s Studies creates an understanding that interrelated factors —e.g., race, ethnicity, class, age, disability, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation — inform knowledge of women’s history, culture, and social roles. Women’s Studies seeks to improve critical thinking and to provide students with the intellectual means to question prevailing assumptions. It encourages students to explore the contexts and ideological origins of knowledge and to examine the relationship between knowledge and power in society. It promotes social responsibility by examining the connections between personal experience and political activity, and validates student contributions and voices. Women’s Studies graduates are skilled in critical thinking, research methods, and effective communication. Because they have developed a thorough understanding of gender, race, and class, they can understand and work effectively with employers, colleagues, and clients to analyze and address complex social problems. Women’s Studies graduates acquire strong backgrounds for careers in such areas as counseling, education, human resources, public policy, politics, business, or law. The program includes core courses in Women’s Studies and cross-listed courses in anthropology, art history, classical studies, economics, English, history, health and human performance, political science, psychology, religion, sociology, speech communication, and world languages and cultures. An undergraduate major requires 33 credits of core and cross-listed courses. Women’s Studies majors must satisfy the following requirements:
1. 21 credits selected from women’s studies core courses (W S).
A. Required core courses:
| W S 201 | Introduction to Women's Studies | 3 |
| W S 301 | International Perspectives on Women and Gender | 3 |
| W S 401 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| W S 402 | Feminist Research in Action | 3 |
| W S 499 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| or W S 491 | Senior Internship | |
B. The remaining 6 credits should be chosen from the Women’s Studies core courses:
| W S 203 | Introduction to Lesbian Studies | 3 |
| W S 205 | Introduction to Queer Studies | 3 |
| W S 302 | Issues in Women's Health and Reproduction | 3 |
| W S 320 | Ecofeminism | 3 |
| W S 350 | Women of Color in the U.S | 3 |
| W S 425 | Intersections of Race, Class and Gender | 3 |
| W S 435 | Women and Development | 3 |
| W S 450 | Topics in Women's Studies (may be taken more than once) | 3 |
2. 12 credits selected from W S cross-listed courses or W S core courses.
Women’s Studies majors are encouraged to declare either a minor or a second major in a different program or department.
Communication Proficiency requirement:
The Women’s Studies major requires an average grade of C- or better in ENGL 150 and ENGL 250 (or ENGL 250H) and W S 201.
Minor
Undergraduate students may minor in Women’s Studies by taking 15 semester hours of Women’s Studies classes, including:
| W S 201 | Introduction to Women's Studies | 3 |
| W S 301 | International Perspectives on Women and Gender | 3 |
| one 400 level core Women's Studies course | ||
| 6 additional credits of core or cross-listed courses | 6 | |
Any student can declare a major or minor in Women’s Studies or choose to co-major in another program. Students interested in a minor or major in Women’s Studies should contact the Director of the program.
Graduate Study
The graduate minor in Women’s Studies is designed to provide students with knowledge of theories and methods within a variety of approaches in feminist scholarship. The program seeks to integrate and synthesize knowledge from many disciplines and to offer students opportunities for systematic study of gender and women’s experiences and perspectives in all knowledge fields. Students will be prepared to take leadership roles in supporting gender equity and diversity in their careers in education, social service work, business, law, public policy, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and research.
The graduate minor requires 12 credits for students enrolled in a master’s or a doctoral degree program. Students are required to take either W S 501 Contemporary Feminist Theories or W S 502 Advanced Seminar in Feminist Research Methods; taking both is strongly recommended. Students will also take two or three electives selected from the list of core and cross-listed Women’s Studies courses approved for graduate study. At least one member of the Women’s Studies faculty will serve on the program of study for doctoral students. A list of eligible faculty members may be obtained from the Director of the Women’s Studies program.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
W S 160. Gender Justice.
(2-0) Cr. 1.
F.S.
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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 201. Introduction to Women's Studies.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Women's 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. Diversity Requirement
W S 203. Introduction to Lesbian Studies.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
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. Diversity Requirement
W S 205. Introduction to Queer Studies.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: ENGL 150
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. Diversity Requirement
W S 258. Human Reproduction.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: BIOL 101, or BIOL 155, or BIOL 211
Anatomy and physiology of human reproductive systems, including fertility, pregnancy, and delivery. Does not satisfy biology major requirements.
W S 301. International Perspectives on Women and Gender.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: W S 201 or 3 credits in Women's Studies at the 300 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.
W S 302. Issues in Women's Health and Reproduction.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: W S 201 or 3 credits in Women's Studies at 300 level or above
Current feminist scholarship in the social sciences and humanities on women's health, health care, and reproduction. Intersections among race, gender, class, ability, and sexuality are emphasized.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 304. Creative Writing--Fiction.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: ENGL 250, not open to freshmen
Progresses from practice in basic techniques of fiction writing to fully developed short stories. Emphasis on writing, analytical reading, workshop criticism, and individual conferences.
W S 307. Women in Science and Engineering.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: a 200 level course in science, engineering or women's studies; ENGL 250
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. Diversity Requirement
W S 308. Write Like a Woman.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: ENGL 250
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.
W S 320. Ecofeminism.
(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: W S 201 or 3 credits in Women's Studies at the 300 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.
W S 321. Economics of Discrimination.
(Cross-listed with ECON). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ECON 101
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. Diversity Requirement
W S 323. Gender and Communication.
(Cross-listed with SP CM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Examines 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. Diversity Requirement
W S 325. Portrayals of Gender and Sexualities in the Media.
(3-0) Cr. 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.
W S 327. Sex and Gender in Society.
(Cross-listed with SOC). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
How the biological fact of sex is transformed into a system of gender stratification. The demographics and social positions of women and men in the family, education, media, politics, and the economy. Theories of the social-psychological and sociological bases for behavior and attitudes of women and men. The relationship between gender, class, and race.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 328. Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood.
(Cross-listed with SOC). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SOC 134 or W S 201
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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 333. Women and Leadership.
(Cross-listed with CL PS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
This course will examine historical and contemporary barriers to and opportunities for women's leadership in a variety of contexts, including professions and public service. It will examine theories of women's leadership, gender differences in leadership styles, and the perceptions and expectations about women's leadership. Multiple perspectives of women's leadership will be highlighted through lectures, readings, videos, guest speakers and group work.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 336. Women and Religion.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: RELIG 205, RELIG 210 or W S 201 recommended
Examines the status of women in various religions, feminist critiques of religious structures and belief systems, and contemporary women's spirituality movements.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 338. Feminist Philosophy.
(Cross-listed with PHIL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 3 credits in philosophy or women's studies recommended
A critical, theoretical examination of the oppression of women, especially as it relates to issues of race, class, and sexual orientation. How concepts such as sex and gender, self and other, nature and nurture, complicate our understanding of what it means to be a woman. Historical and contemporary feminist philosophers addressing topics such as violence, sexuality, pornography, political power, family structure and women's paid and unpaid labor.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 340. Women's Literature.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ENGL 250
Historical and thematic survey of literature by and about women. May include autobiographies, journals, letters, poetry, fiction, and drama.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 342. American Indian Women Writers.
(Cross-listed with AM IN, ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ENGL 250
Literature of American Indian women writers which examines their social, political, and cultural roles in the United States. Exploration of American Indian women's literary, philosophical, and artistic works aimed at recovering elements of identity, redescribing stereotypes, resisting colonization, and constructing femininity.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 345. Women and Literature: Selected Topics.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: ENGL 250
Literature by women and/or dealing with the images of women, e.g., study of individual authors or related schools of authors; exploration of specific themes or genres in women's literature; analysis of recurrent images of women in literature.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 346. Psychology of Women.
(Cross-listed with PSYCH). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 2 courses in psychology including PSYCH 101
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. Diversity Requirement
W S 350. Women of Color in the U.S.
(Cross-listed with AF AM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 3 credits in Women's Studies or African American Studies
Economic, social, political and cultural roles of Women of Color in the U.S. Includes literary, philosophical, and artistic expressions. Myths and realities explored.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 352. Gay and Lesbian Literature.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ENGL 250
Literary portrayals of gay and lesbian lives and relationships from many different genres. Attention to changing definitions and representations of sexual orientation and gender identity over time.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 370. Studies in English Translation.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Readings, discussions, and papers in English.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
W S 370F. French studies in English: French Topics on Women and Gender Studies.
(Cross-listed with FRNCH). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable.
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Readings, discussions, and papers in English.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
W S 370G. German Studies in English: German topics on women or feminism.
(3-0) Cr. 3-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Sophomore classification. For fourth credit, 6 credits in German at the 300 level
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.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
W S 370R. Russian Studies in English Translation: Russian topics on women or feminism.
(Cross-listed with RUS). (3-0) Cr. 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.
W S 370S. Hispanic Topics in English Translation: Hispanic Topics on Women or Feminism.
(Cross-listed with SPAN). (3-0) Cr. 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.
W S 374. Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World.
(Cross-listed with CL ST, HIST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Any one course in Cl St, W S, Latin, or Greek
Chronological and topical survey of the status of women and men, focusing on sex and gender issues in the Ancient Mediterranean world; study of constructs of the female and the feminine. Readings from ancient and modern sources. Emphasis on ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
W S 380. History of Women in Science, Technology, and Medicine.
(Cross-listed with HIST). (3-0) Cr. 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. Diversity Requirement
W S 385. Women in Politics.
(Cross-listed with POL S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Examination of the entry and participation of women in politics in the United States and other countries including a focus on contemporary issues and strategies for change through the political process.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 386. History of Women in America.
(Cross-listed with HIST). (3-0) Cr. 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. Diversity Requirement
W S 401. Feminist Theories.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: W S 201 or 3 credits in Women's Studies at the 300 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.
W S 402. Feminist Research in Action.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: W S 201 and W S 301
Feminist research methods and scholarship. Class collaborates on a community research and action project to improve women's lives.
W S 422. Women, Men, and the English Language.
(Cross-listed with ENGL, LING). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: ENGL 219 or LING 219
The ways men and women differ in using language in varied settings and the ways in which language both creates and reflects gender divisions.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 425. Intersections of Race, Class and Gender.
(Dual-listed with W S 525). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: W S 201 and one additional W S course
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.
W S 435. Women and Development.
(Dual-listed with W S 535). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: W S 301
Cross-cultural study of development utilizing both case studies and theoretical works. Explores the nature of women's roles in developing countries and the ways women and their needs have been excluded/included in development approaches, policies, and projects. Includes discussion of actual development projects as well as women's organizing.
W S 439. Goddess Religions.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: RELIG 205 recommended
Exploration of the foundational myths of Goddess spirituality, including historical and cross-cultural female images of the divine and their modern usage by American women.
W S 444. Sex and Gender in Cross-cultural Perspective.
(Dual-listed with W S 544). (Cross-listed with ANTHR). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: ANTHR 201; ANTHR 306 recommended
Cross-cultural examination of the social construction of genders out of the biological fact of sex. Emphasis on non-western societies. Topics, presented through examination of ethnographic data, will include the range of gender variation, status and roles, the institution of marriage, and symbols of gender valuation.
W S 450. Topics in Women's Studies.
(Dual-listed with W S 550). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. S.
Prereq: W S 201 or 3 credits in Women's Studies at the 300 level or above
Special and/or experimental topics in a specific discipline, e.g., women and education, women and religion, women and the law, women and science.
W S 460. Seminar in Gender and Ethnicity.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Completion of 9 credits of surveys; completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 339; junior classification
Selected readings of various authors, movements, eras, or genres. Readings in criticism; required research paper.
W S 488. Research on Women and Leadership.
(Cross-listed with CL PS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Research on women and leadership in selected content areas (e.g., business, education, politics and public service, and popular culture). Following an overview of quantitative and qualitative methods and critical analyses of journal articles on women and leadership, students will work in groups in selected content areas to research, write and present paper.
W S 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Any two courses in Women's Studies
Independent study on a topic in Women's Studies.
W S 491. Senior Internship.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Senior classification
Internship designed to provide an application of Women's 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.
W S 494. Women/Gender in Art.
(Cross-listed with ART H). (3-0) Cr. 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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
W S 499. Senior Thesis.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Senior classification
Senior thesis to be independently researched and written under the supervision of a member of the Women's Studies faculty.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
W S 501. Contemporary Feminist Theories.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
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.
W S 502. Advanced Seminar in Feminist Research Methods.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Focus on feminist interdisciplinary research methods. Analysis of contemporary issues facing feminist scholars. Students conduct original research.
W S 525. Intersections of Race, Class and Gender.
(Dual-listed with W S 425). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: W S 201 and one additional W S course
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.
W S 535. Women and Development.
(Dual-listed with W S 435). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: W S 301
Cross-cultural study of development utilizing both case studies and theoretical works. Explores the nature of women's roles in developing countries and the ways women and their needs have been excluded/included in development approaches, policies, and projects. Includes discussion of actual development projects as well as women's organizing.
W S 544. Sex and Gender in Cross-cultural Perspective.
(Dual-listed with W S 444). (Cross-listed with ANTHR). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: ANTHR 201; ANTHR 306 recommended
Cross-cultural examination of the social construction of genders out of the biological fact of sex. Emphasis on non-western societies. Topics, presented through examination of ethnographic data, will include the range of gender variation, status and roles, the institution of marriage, and symbols of gender valuation.
W S 545. Women's Literature.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Graduate classification or 6 credits in literature at 300 level or above
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.
W S 550. Topics in Women's Studies.
(Dual-listed with W S 450). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. S.
Prereq: W S 201 or 3 credits in Women's Studies at the 300 level or above
Special and/or experimental topics in a specific discipline, e.g., women and education, women and religion, women and the law, women and science.
W S 586. Proseminar in Women's History and Feminist Theory.
(Cross-listed with HIST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Feminism as a movement and feminst theory from the early modern period to the present as it relates to the writing of women's history. Analysis of intepretations of European and U.S. women's history from patriarchal and postmodernist perspectives.
W S 590. Special Topics.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Permission of Women's Studies Program Director
Independent study on a topic in Women's Studies.
W S 594. Women/Gender in Art.
(Cross-listed with ART H). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification or permission of instructor
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:
W S 621. Pedagogies of Dissent: Radical Theories of Education, Social Justice, and Economic Democracy.
(Cross-listed with EL PS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: EL PS 620
Critical examination of the philosophical foundations of education that seek to challenge the status quo and advance radical educational change. Exploration of macro-level (and some micro-level) issues relevant to educational change, in relation to how they inform practices of dissent and every day social relations.
