First-Year Courses in Women's Studies (Division 497)

Fall Term, 1999 (September 8 - December 22, 1999)

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Jane Hassinger (jahass@umich.edu)

Credits: (2).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course uses small group discussion and development of supportive group norms to enable students to explore selected topics in women’s studies as they apply to their own lives and to contemporary social issues. The course work includes large and small group activities, theoretical presentations, regularly assigned readings, and written assignments. There is strong emphasis on developing analytic tools taking a critical stance with respect to one’s experience, to social issues, and to the assigned readings. Topics include: socialization, work, family, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and current movements for change. Small groups meet in different campus locations. Attendance is mandatory at first meeting of class to hold your place.

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

In this course we will examine women’s health issues, across the lifespan, from feminist and sociocultural perspectives. It will explore the social construction of women’s sexuality, reproductive options, health care alternatives, and risks for physical and mental illness. Attention will be paid to historical, economic, and cultural factors which influence the physical and psychological well-being of women.

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Anne Herrmann (anneh@umich.edu)

Credits: (4; 3 in the half-term).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

Designed as an introduction to the new, feminist scholarship on women, this interdisciplinary course acquaints students with key concepts and theoretical frameworks to analyze women's condition. We will explore how women's status has changed over time, but we will concentrate on the situation of contemporary American women. Topics will include: violence against women, discrimination in the workplace, the feminization of poverty, and sexuality. Students will also examine how capitalism, racism, imperialism, and heterosexism affect women's lives. The course will not only provide students with an analysis of women's oppression, but will suggest strategies for ending sexual inequality. The course is structured around weekly lectures, readings, films, and discussion sections. Students are encouraged to participate fully in discussion and to assume responsibility for sharing their knowledge and experience. The course grade is based upon written assignments, an examination, and participation in discussion.

Section 001 – Affirmative Action. Meets with Afroamerican and African Studies 203.001.

Instructor(s): Nesha Haniff (nzh@umich.edu)

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

See Afroamerican and African Studies 203.001.

Section 001.

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

"Women and the Law" covers selected topics in American constitutional and statutory law which have a special effect on women. The class focuses on ideals of sex equality and how they are incorporated into the American legal system. Topics usually covered include constitutional equality, employment discrimination, family law, rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, reproductive rights, pornography, and women in poverty. Required: midterm examination, 10-12 pages of writing, final examination, and class participation in discussion. Some understanding of the history of women of color in the United States is also strongly recommended.