Women's and Gender Studies (B.A., B.S.)
The Women’s and Gender Studies Program is a cross-disciplinary program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program offers students opportunities to analyze issues concerning women, gender, and sexuality in diverse cultural contexts and to investigate a variety of disciplines from feminist perspectives. The field of women's and gender studies creates an understanding that interrelated factors--e.g., race, ethnicity, class, age, disability, gender identity, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation--inform knowledge of women’s history, culture, and social roles.
Women’s and Gender 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. By promoting social justice and inclusion, this area of study focuses on the connections between personal experience and political activity, and validates student contributions and voices.
Graduates from this program are skilled in critical thinking, research methods, and effective communication. Because they have developed a thorough understanding of gender, race, and class, graduates work effectively with employers, colleagues, and clients to analyze and solve complex social problems. Women's and Gender Studies students also acquire strong backgrounds for careers in areas such as counseling, education, human resources, international development, public policy, politics, business, and law. The program includes core and cross-listed courses in anthropology, history, economics, English, history, health and human performance, political science, psychology, religion, sociology, speech communication, and world languages and cultures. An undergraduate major requires a minimum 2.00 GPA in the 34 credits of core and cross-listed courses. Women’s and Gender Studies' majors must satisfy the following requirements:
1. 16 credits selected from Women’s and Gender Studies core courses (WGS).
A. Required core courses:
| WGS 160 | Gender Justice | 1 |
| WGS 201 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 301 | International Perspectives on Women and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 401 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WGS 402 | Feminist Research in Action | 3 |
| WGS 491 | Internship | 3 |
| or WGS 499 | Senior Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
B. The remaining 18 credits of required coursework can be chosen from one of the following Areas of Emphasis: 1) Communication and Cultural Representation; 2) Identities and Sexualities; 3) Leadership and Social Justice; or students can work with their advisor to identify the set of courses that support their personal and professional goals.
1) Communication and Cultural Representation
Courses in this field offer diverse perspectives on how media and communication represent and shape culture in the US and around the world. Students engage with feminist literature, philosophy, art, and other expressions of culture in society. These themes are used to examine how the lives and roles of women have changed throughout history.
| WGS 210 | Gender and Sexuality in American Pop Culture | 3 |
| WGS 308 | Write Like a Woman | 3 |
| WGS 323 | Gender and Communication | 3 |
| WGS 325 | Portrayals of Gender and Sexualities in the Media | 3 |
| WGS 327 | Sex and Gender in Society | 3 |
| WGS 338 | Feminist Philosophy | 3 |
| WGS 340 | Women's Literature | 3 |
| WGS 345 | Women and Literature: Selected Topics | 3 |
| ENGL 349 | Topics in Multicultural Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| WGS 352 | Gay and Lesbian Literature | 3 |
| WGS 370 | Studies in English Translation | 3 |
| WGS 374 | Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
| WGS 422 | Women, Men, and the English Language | 3 |
| WGS 430 | Gender and Consumer Culture | 3 |
| WGS 450 | Topics in Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 460 | Seminar in Gender and Ethnicity | 3 |
| WGS 490 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| WGS 494 | Women/Gender in Art | 3 |
| WGS 545 | Women's Literature | 3 |
| WGS 594 | Women/Gender in Art | 3 |
2) Identities and Sexualities
This area highlights the growing emphasis in Women’s and Gender Studies on how experiences and societal narratives shape and are impacted by gender identities and sexualities. Courses explore power relations, oppression, privilege, and resistance as ways of understanding these social identities. Students will learn about how issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, and other axes of difference intersect and enable political resistance.
| WGS 203 | Introduction to Lesbian Studies | 3 |
| WGS 205 | Introduction to Queer Studies | 3 |
| WGS 210 | Gender and Sexuality in American Pop Culture | 3 |
| WGS 308 | Write Like a Woman | 3 |
| WGS 325 | Portrayals of Gender and Sexualities in the Media | 3 |
| WGS 327 | Sex and Gender in Society | 3 |
| WGS 328 | Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood | 3 |
| WGS 336 | Religion and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 339 | Goddess Religions | 3 |
| WGS 344 | Human Reproduction | 3 |
| WGS 346 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
| ENGL 349 | Topics in Multicultural Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| WGS 350 | Women of Color in the U.S | 3 |
| WGS 352 | Gay and Lesbian Literature | 3 |
| WGS 374 | Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
| WGS 380 | History of Women in Science, Technology, and Medicine | 3 |
| WGS 386 | History of Women in America | 3 |
| WGS 425 | Intersections of Race, Class and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 430 | Gender and Consumer Culture | 3 |
| WGS 440 | Gender Issues in Sports | 3 |
| WGS 444 | Cross-cultural Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality | 3 |
| WGS 450 | Topics in Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 457 | History of American Sexualities | 3 |
| WGS 490 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| WGS 494 | Women/Gender in Art | 3 |
| WGS 525 | Intersections of Race, Class and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 586 | Readings Seminar in Women's and Gender History | 3 |
3) Leadership and Social Justice
Courses in this area of specialization provide students with the tools and theories needed to become successful change agents, activists, and community organizers. These courses explore how social movements can transform communities, cultural norms, and global systems. Students will engage with critiques and the context of movements such as transnational feminism, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA+ Pride, and #MeToo.
| WGS 210 | Gender and Sexuality in American Pop Culture | 3 |
| WGS 307 | Women in Science and Engineering | 3 |
| WGS 320 | Ecofeminism | 3 |
| WGS 321 | Economics of Discrimination | 3 |
| WGS 333 | Women and Leadership | 3 |
| WGS 344 | Human Reproduction | 3 |
| WGS 350 | Women of Color in the U.S | 3 |
| WGS 380 | History of Women in Science, Technology, and Medicine | 3 |
| WGS 385 | Women in Politics | 3 |
| WGS 386 | History of Women in America | 3 |
| WGS 387 | First Ladies in U.S. History | 3 |
| WGS 425 | Intersections of Race, Class and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 435 | Gender, Globalization and Development | 3 |
| WGS 440 | Gender Issues in Sports | 3 |
| WGS 450 | Topics in Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 488 | Research on Women and Leadership | 3 |
| WGS 490 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| WGS 586 | Readings Seminar in Women's and Gender History | 3 |
A minor or second major is recommended. The typical degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts; students interested in a Bachelor of Science degree in Women's and Gender Studies need to complete 12 credits in addition to the general education requirements across the areas of natural science, mathematics, and social science.
Communication Proficiency requirement:
The Women’s and Gender Studies major requires credit for ENGL 150; ENGL 250 (or ENGL 250H) (with a grade of C or better, per the university-wide Communication Proficiency Grade Requirement); and WGS 301 or WGS 401 or WGS 402 (with a grade of C or better).
Women’s and Gender Studies, B.A., B.S. (1)
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | WGS 201 | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Math Choice | 3 |
| World Language/Elective1 | 3-4 | World Language/Elective | 3-4 |
| Humanities Choice | 3 | Humanities Choice | 3 |
| Natural Science Choice | 3 | Social Science Choice | 3 |
| Social Science Choice | 3 | ||
| 16-17 | 15-16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| U.S. Diversity Choice | 3 | Women's and Gender Studies Choices - 200/300 Level | 6 |
| WGS 301 | 3 | Int'l Perspectives Choice | 3 |
| WGS 160 | 1 | Humanities Choice | 3 |
| Humanities Choice | 3 | Social Science Choice | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | ||
| Natural Science Choice | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Women's and Gender Studies Choice - 300/400 Level | 3 | Electives - 300/400 Level | 9 |
| Electives | 6 | WGS 402 | 3 |
| Natural Science Choice | 2 | Women's and Gender Studies Choice - 300/400 Level | 3 |
| WGS 401 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Women's and Gender Studies Choice - 300/400 Level | 6 | Electives | 5 |
| Elective - 300/400 Level | 6 | Electives - 300/400 Level | 6 |
| WGS 491 or 499 | 1-3 | Women's and Gender Studies Choice - 300/400 Level | 3 |
| 13-15 | 14 | ||
Students in all ISU majors must complete a three-credit course in U.S. diversity and a three-credit course in international perspectives. Check (http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/courses/div-ip-guide.html) for a list of approved courses. Discuss with your advisor how the two courses that you select can be applied to your graduation plan. | |
LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 300/400 level. You must also complete the LAS foreign language requirement. |
Minor
Undergraduate students may minor in Women’s and Gender Studies by taking 15 semester hours of Women’s and Gender Studies classes, including the following:
| WGS 201 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 301 | International Perspectives on Women and Gender | 3 |
| One 400-level WGS course and 6 additional credits in WGS; at least 3 of the additional credits must be at the 300-400 level. | 9 | |
University policy requires that at least 9 credits used for the minor stand alone and are not used to meet any other requirement. All WGS courses for the minor require a grade of C (not C-) or higher.
Any student can declare a major or minor in Women’s and Gender Studies or choose to co-major in another program. Students interested in a minor or major in Women’s and Gender Studies should contact the director or the undergraduate advisor in the program.
Graduate Study
The graduate minor in Women’s and Gender 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 a leadership role 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 WGS 501 Contemporary Feminist Theories or WGS 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 and Gender Studies courses approved for graduate study. At least one member of the Women’s and Gender 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 and Gender Studies Program.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(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
(3-0) Cr. 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. Diversity Requirement
(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
(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
(3-0) Cr. 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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS 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.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 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
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (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.
(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS 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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(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
(Cross-listed with SP CM). (3-0) Cr. 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. Diversity Requirement
(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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(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
(Cross-listed with SOC). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: SOC 134 or WGS 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
(Cross-listed with LD ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
Examination of historical and contemporary barriers to and opportunities for women's leadership in a variety of contexts, including professions and public service. Theories of women's leadership, gender differences in leadership styles, and perceptions and expectations about women's leadership. Multiple perspectives of women's leadership highlighted through lectures, readings, videos, guest speakers and group work.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Any course in RELIG or WGS
Gender and sexuality in the historical and contemporary contexts of various religious traditions.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(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 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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 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 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
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 212
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.
(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
(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
(Cross-listed with AF AM). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 3 credits in WGS or AF AM
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
(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
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Readings, discussions, and papers in English.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(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.
(Cross-listed with GER). (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.
(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.
(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.
(Cross-listed with CL ST, HIST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(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
(Cross-listed with POL S). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
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. Diversity Requirement
(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
(Cross-listed with HIST, POL S). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS 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.
(Dual-listed with WGS 525). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201 and one additional WGS 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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS/W S 201 or 3 credits in W S / WGS at the 300 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 535). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 301
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: W S 201 / WGS 201 or 3 credits in Women's Studies / Women's and Gender Studies at the 300 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.
(Dual-listed with WGS 544). (Cross-listed with ANTHR). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: ANTHR 201 or WGS 201 recommended.
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.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: WGS or W S 201 or 3 credits in WGS or W S at the 300 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.
A maximum of 6 credits of W S / WGS 450 can count toward graduation.
(Cross-listed with HIST). Cr. 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.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Completion of 9 credits of surveys; junior classification
Selected readings of various authors, movements, eras, or genres. Readings in criticism; required research paper.
(Cross-listed with LD ST). (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 work individually or in groups in selected content areas to write and present papers.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Any two courses in WGS
Independent study on a topic in Women's Studies.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or Senior classification
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.
(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
(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:
(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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Focus on feminist interdisciplinary research methods. Analysis of contemporary issues facing feminist scholars. Students conduct original research.
(Dual-listed with WGS 425). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201 and one additional WGS 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.
(Dual-listed with WGS 435). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 301
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.
(Dual-listed with WGS 444). (Cross-listed with ANTHR). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: ANTHR 201 or WGS 201 recommended.
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.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(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.
(Cross-listed with HIST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Readings in women's and gender history.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Permission of Women's and Gender Studies Program Director
Independent study on a topic in Women's Studies.
(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:
(Cross-listed with EL PS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: EL PS 620
Critical examination of the theoretical foundations of contemporary and historical pedagogical traditions that seek to challenge the status quo, expand justice, and deepen democracy.