Any experimental courses offered by WGS can be found at: registrar.iastate.edu/faculty-staff/courses/explistings/
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.
(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.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(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.
(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, WISE). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
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.
(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.
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.
(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.
(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.
(Cross-listed with SOC). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
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.
(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.
(Cross-listed with LD ST). (3-0) Cr. 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. Diversity Requirement
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
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.
(Cross-listed with PHIL). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
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.
(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 ANTHR). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
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 201 or WGS 201 recommended.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
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
Focused study of literature by women and about women that focuses on a particular genre (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, film, drama, media), author, or theme.
(Cross-listed with PSYCH). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: PSYCH 101; 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.
(Cross-listed with AF AM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ENGL 250
Focused study of literary portrayals of queer lives and relationships from many different genres. Attention to changing definitions and representations of sexual orientation and LGBTQ identities over time.
(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
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 300-level.
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.
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). (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. S.
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.
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.
(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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Dual-listed with WGS 510). (Cross-listed with SOC). Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS at the 300 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.
Only one of WGS 410 may count toward graduation
(Dual-listed with WGS 525). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201; 1 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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in 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: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS 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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS 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 A M D). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: 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 gender 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 gender 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; Permission of Instructor
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; Department Permission
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
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.
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 410). (Cross-listed with SOC). Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS at the 300 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.
Only one of WGS 410 may count toward graduation
(Dual-listed with WGS 425). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201; 1 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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(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.
(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.
(Dual-listed with WGS 458 WGS 558). (Cross-listed with A M D). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
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.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(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.