Foundations of Women's Studies "Goals: To introduce students to the interdisciplinary academic field of women's studies, including an introduction to feminism and feminist theory. It is designed to raise awareness of women's status and women's gender diversity; to critically examine disciplines and social practices through the lens of feminist theory; to recover past achievements of women and survey the work women now do; to expand personal perspectives; and to provide a basis for critical evaluation of future learning. Content: This course aims to address the absence of women, their work, and their lives from traditional academic and professional fields, and to use feminist theory to analyze the sources and impact of this absence. It provides an overview of women's status in contemporary and historical periods, various disciplines' theories about women and gender, and women as agents of social transformation."
Breadth Courses
Feminist Theory "Goals: To examine feminist theoretical work representing the major multidisciplinary areas of feminist theory. To survey intersectional feminist theory across the disciplines, and provide an overview of historical and ideological trends in feminist thought. WSTD 3850 furthers students' thinking from WSTD 1010 in preparation for additional upper-division coursework in women's studies including the research seminar. Content: Discussion and analysis of works representing the major areas of intersectional feminist/womanist thought theory across the disciplines."
Electives
Biology of Women "Goals: To introduce students to the basic aspects of reproductive biology, biological bases of gender differences, and women's health. The course will also provide a context for examining the social and political framework within which science is done, and the extent to which scientific studies may be conducted as objective or value-neutral activities. Content: Course topics will include reproductive anatomy and physiology, sexual development and differentiation, hormones and reproductive cycle regulation, pregnancy and childbearing, reproductive technologies, STDs and AIDS, women and aging, and women and cancer. Students will practice methods of scientific inquiry and analysis, and assess the strengths and limitations of scientific approaches toward understanding the biology of women."
Sociology of Gender "Goals: To understand and evaluate gender as a form of social structure and the consequences that structure holds for individuals and society. To understand gender as a social, rather than purely biological, construct.Content: Covers a variety of topics including social constructionism, biological explanations of gender difference, feminist theory, and sexuality, as well as a selection of contemporary issues in gender studies."
Living In A Rape Culture Teacher's Assistant "Two startling statistics: Every six minutes, someone in America is raped; and, one out of four college women are or will be victims of rape or attempted rape. As we grapple with why these may be true, we must look at the culture that surrounds these facts, the culture we must call a ”rape culture.” ”What is a rape culture? A society that accepts sexual violence and the fear of violence as the norm. A society that, knowingly or not, perpetuates models of masculinity, femininity and sexuality that foster aggression, violence and fear.” (from Transforming a Rape Culture) In this seminar, we will explore the culture that we live in, examine what makes it a ”rape culture” and most importantly, we will develop strategies for change. This is a class for men and women who are earnestly interested in social change and willing to explore hard issues along the way."