Women's & Gender Studies

This cross-cultural, interdisciplinary course explores contemporary feminist theories and practices, examining the intersections of various feminisms including liberal, radical, Marxist-socialist, postmodern, and multicultural positions. The course also integrates the concept of feminist practice through the study of such topics as feminist art, community activism, and ecofeminism. Scheduled every fall semester.

A cross-cultural, interdisciplinary approach to women’s health issues focusing primarily on 20th century North America. Engages with the politics of women’s health including selfcare, health activism and alternative medicine and focuses on strategies for empowerment in exploring and evaluating health care options. Scheduled summer semesters.

Interdisciplinary approach to a broad range of feminist research methodologies essential for planning and conducting research in the field of women’s studies; will include written and oral presentation of student research project. Scheduled every spring semester.

A survey of women’s intellectual history from ancient cultures to the contemporary period using primary sources, including ancient and classical texts, and focusing on the works of leading European and American feminist thinkers. The course will also cover the formation of women’s communities and the corresponding evolution of the feminist movement. Scheduled every fall semester.

Examines feminist pedagogical theory and theories of teaching women’s studies courses in order to prepare students to conceptualize, develop, and teach women’s studies courses in other disciplines with a women's studies emphasis at the secondary and/or post-secondary level. Scheduled spring of odd years.

Explores the intersection of race, class, and gender in social relations. Uses a wide variety of theoretical perspectives to investigate the ways that race, class, and gender are intersected and the impact this interrelationship has on the experiences and opportunities of individuals and their social location.

Interdisciplinary study of issues affecting women in cross-cultural perspective, such as international feminism, reproductive rights, health, global economy, women in leadership. Scheduled every spring semester.

Survey of readings and research from the late nineteenth century to the present on the following topics: family, work, immigration, urbanization, altruism, professionalism, race, class, ethnicity, and cultural and political status.

This course focuses on the female immigrant experience as understood through the autobiographical and fictional narratives written by those who have lived it.

First of two courses fulfilling one of the exit requirement options. Development of a thesis proposal under the dual supervision of the instructor and the thesis adviser in the context of peer evaluation. Classes will meet at two-week intervals during the semester. Scheduled every fall semester.

Second of two courses fulfilling one of the exit requirement options. Development of the thesis under the dual supervision of the instructor and the thesis adviser in the context of peer evaluation. Classes will meet at two-week intervals during the semester. Scheduled every spring semester.

First of two courses fulfilling one of the exit requirement options. Development of a special project proposal relevan t to the student’s own academic specialization and interests under the dual supervision of the instructor and the special project adviser in the context of peer evaluation. Classes will meet at two-week intervals during the semester. Scheduled every fall semester.

Second of two courses fulfilling one of the exit requirement options. Completion of a special project relevant to the student’s own academic specialization and interests under the dual supervision of the instructor and the special project adviser in the context of peer evaluation. Class will meet at two-week intervals during the semester. Scheduled every spring semester.

Various topics in women’s studies are explored from multidisciplinary perspectives. Topics offered in recent years include Ecofeminism; Gender, Race, Class in Children’s Literature; Self-Representations of Immigrant Women; Take Back the Kitchen; and so forth. (See more listing below)

Provides students with an opportunity for supervised independent research under the direction of a faculty member.

A required course for all Women’s Studies students (students may substitute an internship through a cooperating host department for the field experience). Field experience options are: administrative field experience in the Women’s Studies Program; administrative field experience in the Women’s Center; academic field experience in a Women’s Studies classroom; research-based field experience under the supervision of a Women’s Studies faculty member. A field experience requires a commitment of 150 hours (10 hours per week) per semester.

An elective course for all Women’s Studies students (students may substitute an internship through a cooperating host department for the field experience). Students select among the following options: administrative field experience in the Women’s Studies Program; administrative field experience in the Women’s Center; academic field experience in a Women’s Studies classroom; research-based field experience under the supervision of a Women’s Studies faculty member. A field experience requires a commitment of 150 hours (10 hours per week) per semester.