We will study the intersection of health, nursing (and other health-related disciplines), and feminist theoretical views. In particular, we will examine how health perspectives often fail to address the gender, racial, and social class biases that affect women’s well being. This course will prepare students to investigate women’s health by focusing on what has been left out of health and health promotion theories, from the various disciplinary perspectives including, but not limited to, nursing, psychology, public health, and sociology. Students also will explore strategies for developing applicable theories of women’s health. For example, class participants will be expected to critique their respective disciplinary perspectives and synthesize middle-range models and hypotheses relevant to their research interests and women’s health. All students will become familiar with the disciplinary perspectives represented by their fellow classmates; however, they will be expected to focus their work within their own discipline.

Prerequisites: Nursing students must take NURSING 801 or get permission from the instructor prior to enrolling in this class. Students from other disciplines should have completed an equivalent course to NURSING 801 or have permission from instructor.