100. Women's Issues. Open to all undergraduates. (2). (Excl). Offered mandatory credit/no credit.
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. Cost:1 WL:1 (Motoike)
110. Practical Feminism. (1). (Excl). Offered mandatory credit/no
credit.
Section 001 – Women's Bodies and the Construction of Beauty and Physical
Fitness. (Chambers)
Section 002 – Jewish Feminists and Feminisms in American. Mini course meeting January 10 to February 21. (Zeller)
111. Women in Popular Culture. (1). (Excl). Offered mandatory
credit/no credit.
Section 001 – Women and Eating. We will explore eating as having a variety
of both very familiar and unexplored meanings for women. Part of our task
will be to lay out a framework for discussing the particular impact which
food, cooking, eating, consumption, and starvation have had on women in
several pop-cultural contexts. We will assess our readings not only for
what they have to say about women's relationship to food and eating, but
also for what they less often emphasize: in particular, norms of representing
women as middle-class, white, and American consumers. Our weekly sections
consist of seven thematic approaches to women's relationship with eating.
We will identify literary, historical, sociological, anthropological, psychological, artistic, and interdisciplinary voices which inform our idea of eating;
on one hand, eating is a popular, indeed necessary act for humanity, but
on the other hand, it can be an "unpopular" habit for women. Office
hours would be held once weekly for two hours; in addition however, the
class may decide on whether or not it would like to hold optional, informal
discussions of the materials. We might at some point in the term, for example, share a meal. (Epstein)
200/Comm. 217. Women in Popular Films and Television. (3). (Excl).
See Communication 217. (McLaughlin)
220/Nursing 220. Perspectives in Women's Health. (3). (SS).
This course 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. In addition, it is hoped that students will gain greater knowledge about the physiology of women's bodies and an enhanced sensitivity to issues confronting women in dealing with health care institutions. Topics will include: menstruation, contraception, abortion, pregnancy, child birth, breastfeeding, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, eating disorders, depression, cancer, menopause, and violence against women. The class is open to all students. Both those from non-health related fields and health-related fields are encouraged to enroll. Cost:2 WL:1 (Boyd)
230. Women's Movements. (3). (SS).
The course is a cultural history of the contemporary U.S. women's movement, or movements. Although we will begin with an historical overview of women's/feminist movements in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the primary focus will be on the 1960s to 1993. Thus we will both look back on people, events, and ideas that are part of our history from the perspective of the (post-feminist?) 90s, and directly engage some of the basic questions associated with feminisms historically and today. What are feminist or womanist issues? Who defines them? Is there a single "mainstream" feminist movement? A plurality of diverse, often contradictory movements? How should we think about gender in the contest of "differences among women" (class, culture, race, region, religion, sexuality, work?) Discussions and papers will center around readings (popular and scholarly articles, personal essays, fiction), as well as examples of popular culture (film, photographs, art, cartoons). Cost:2 WL:1
240/Amer. Cult. 240. Introduction to Women's Studies. Open to all undergraduates. (4). (HU). (This course fulfills the Race or Ethnicity Requirement).
Designed as an introduction to the new, feminist scholarship on women, Women's Studies 240 is an interdisciplinary course which 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 action project, examination and participation in discussion. Cost:3 WL:1
243/Amer. Cult. 243. Introduction to Study of Latinas in the U.S. (3). (HU).
See American Culture 243. (Hernandez)
260. Differences Among Women. (4). (SS).
Social structural features of "differences among women" (race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, nationality, etc) is explored, as is aspects of women's lives (relationships, parenthood, political participation) and communities. Each year a different theme will be explored and offered in the winter term. Contact the Women's Studies Program Office for theme of course. Cost:3 WL:1
270. Women and the Law. (3). (SS).
"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. Cost:2 WL:1
312/RC Interdiv. 310. Gender and Science. An introductory course in natural science, engineering, social sciences or women's studies. (4). (N.Excl).
See RC Interdivisional 310. (Sloat)
315/English 315. Women and Literature. (3). (HU). May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
See English 315.
320. Women's Reproductive Health. WS 220. (3). (Excl).
This course will explore the current biomedical definition and therapeutic philosophy of major conditions affecting the reproductive health of women, e.g., prenatal care, sexually transmitted disease, menopause. It will permit students to study physical, social, and political aspects of women's reproductive health. It will expand on the issues raised in WS 220 (Perspectives in Women's Health) and will conduct a scientifically rigorous critique of the current understanding of these conditions within a feminist and socio-political context. Major emphasis will be on developing critical thinking skills in order to educate and empower students to become proactive within the health care system. Cost:3 WL:1 (Johnson, Sampselle)
341. Gender and the Individual: Transmission
and Function of Sex/Gender Systems. WS 240 or permission of instructor.
(3). (Excl).
Section 001 – Psychological Perspectives on Women's Lives. During the
first part of this course we will consider the nature of sex-related psychological
differences, as well as a variety of explanations which have been used to
account for supposed or apparent differences. Then, taking a chronological
approach to studying women's lives, we will explore research and theory
in female psychology. Throughout the term we will consider commonalities
among women as well as ways in which differences in experience, status and identity influence the lives of contemporary Western women. The class format
will include both lecture and discussion. Grades will be based on essay
exams, one paper, and class participation. Cost:2 WL:1 (Henderson-King)
342. Gender and Society: Hierarchies in Social
Organization. WS 240 or permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
Section 001 – Group Identity: Gender and Ethnicity. This course explores the ways in which group memberships and social identities are defined and shaped by society. It also considers the means by which these group memberships
are claimed and/or challenged at the individual and collective levels -
including how new or alternative political identities can be created (e.g., feminist identities, or panethnic identities such as "Latinos").
These topics are studied in the context of contemporary U.S. society, especially
as they relate to pressing social issues and problems. The course is taught
in a seminar format, with student participation an important component.
The readings are interdisciplinary (with an emphasis on the social sciences);
discussion will draw on recent scholarship in this area and various media;
and assignments include a research paper that focuses on the meaning of
group membership and identity for a specific social group of the student's
choice. Cost:3 WL:3 (Lopez)
344. Women in Literature and the Arts. WS 240 or permission of
instructor. (3). (Excl).
Section 001 – Constructing Authority/Constructing Identity. Each of
us is born into a society and a language that limits and controls our claims
to authority and selfhood. Using interdisciplinary approaches, this course
will investigate the ways in which 20th-century women have constructed themselves
as writers within the sexual, racial, social, and cultural limitations placed
upon them. Cost:2 WL:1 (Kineke)
371/Hist. 371. Women in American History Since 1870. (4). (Excl).
See History 371. (Guerin-Gonzales)
394/Great Books 394. Great Books by Women Writers. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. (4). (HU).
See Great Books 394.
415/Hist. of Art 415. Studies in Gender and the Arts. One course in Women's Studies or History of Art. (3). (HU). May be repeated for a total of nine credits.
See History of Art 415. (Brusati)
418/Poli. Sci. 418. Women and the Political System. Two courses in political science or permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
See Poli. Sci. 418. (Lin)
419/Psych. 411. Gender and Group Process in a Multicultural Context. One course in women's studies or psychology. (3). (SS).
This course will provide an introduction to theories of group dynamics that illuminate stages of group development and productivity. It will include teaching and practice of group facilitation skills. The course will combine theoretical presentation with an experiential learning model; material discussed and modeled in class will be applied in home-base groups with opportunities for skill practice and feedback. The goals of skill development will be further pursued in extended workshop format at two points in the term. Special attention will be given throughout the course to the influence and manifestation of gender, ethnic and race dynamics as they shape events, conflict and communication patterns in various group formats. Cost:3 WL:1 (Shifman)
420(320). Group Facilitation in Women's Studies. WS 419 and permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
Students study interpersonal and small group dynamics in general, and as these vary with group composition. The prerequisite course, WS 419. Gender and Group Process in a Multicultural Context, provides the theoretical basis for this course. Students apply knowledge and expertise gained in WS 419 by facilitating small groups (8-10 people). Cost:1 WL:3 (Motoike)
422/Poli. Sci. 422. Feminist Political Theory. Junior standing, or permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
See Political Science 422. (Wingrove)
430/Amer. Cult. 430. Feminist Thought. WS 240 and one 340-level course, or permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
This course will examine theoretical approaches to understanding the conditions and constructions of women. Its focus will involve close analysis of historical and contemporary texts that deal with the different kinds, the cause of, and the possible solutions to women's oppression. Depending on the term, this may be done by examining these issues across disciplines within academia by inviting guest speakers, by reading diverse contemporary theory, or in the case of "Black Feminist Thought" to examine slave narratives, novels, historical accounts, theoretical analyses, and life stories of the women who are at the center of this discourse. Cost:3 WL:1 (Hackett)
447/Sociology 447. Gender Roles and Status. (3). (SS).
See Sociology 447. (Shively)
460/Class. Civ. 460. Theorizing Women in Antiquity. Junior standing. (3). (HU).
See Classical Civilization 460. (Rappe)
481(480). Special Topics. WS 240 or
permission of instructor. (1). (Excl). Degree credit is granted for a combined
total of 7 credits elected through WS 480, 481, 482, 483, and 484.
Section 001 – Genes and Gender. Genetic studies often carry disproportionate
weight in the social sciences because social scientists do not have the
background to critically evaluate these studies. This minicourse will provide
an opportunity for students to learn about and question the current genetic
paradigms that have worked their way into many areas of women's studies, sociology, psychology, and education. The first half of the course will
review current genetic concepts and models applied to these social sciences.
The second half of the course will focus on the use of genetic studies in the construction of gender. The class format will consist of approximately
50% lecture on background material and 50% group discussion of relevant
issues. Cost:1 WL:1 (Reilly)
482(480). Special Topics. WS 240 or permission of instructor.
(2). (Excl). Degree credit is granted for a combined total of 7 credits
elected through WS 480, 481, 482, 483, and 484.
Section 001 – Working Across Differences: Women Creating Community.
This course will focus on the development of multi-group alliances or communities
of women: the potential for such groups to develop; the possibilities for
effecting political, social, and economic change; the potential to transform
relations of power and patterns of oppression; and the challenges that face the development and maintenance of such groups. We will address race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, class and national origin as they influence the life
experience of women and the relationships among women in the United States.
In particular, the course will focus on women's thinking about, and experience
of, difference, conflict and community, as these are shaped by identities, social constructions of difference, and historical location. Case studies, writing on multi-party coalitions, narratives, and personal testimonies, critical and theoretical readings, student presentations, guest speakers, films, intergroup dialogues, individual and class assignments and class
discussions will explore identities, diversity, power and privilege, and the process of politicization and political organization which impact the
development of alliance among women. Throughout the course, discussion will
center around women's action to build bridges and to create coalitions across
difference in order to address issues of social, political, and economic
justice. Students will be evaluated on the basis of submitted journals and papers. Cost:2 WL:1 (Lewis, Schulz, Zuniga)
483(480). Special Topics. WS 240 or permission of instructor.
(3). (Excl). Degree credit is granted for a combined total of 7 credits
elected through WS 480, 481, 482, 483, and 484.
Section 001 – Caribbean Women: Realities and Representations. For Winter
Term, 1995, this section is offered jointly with AAS
458.001. (Green)
Section 003 – Women in Prison: Gender and Crime A#anchor180788mong Blacks and Latinas. For Winter Term, 1995, this section is offered jointly with American Culture 410.001. (Jose)
Section 004 – Women in 3rd World Cinema. For Winter Term, 1995, this section is offered jointly with Film-Video 455.002. (Arora)
Section 005 – Ain't I A Woman?: Ethnic Women Writers. For Winter Term, 1995, this section is offered jointly with English 239.004 and Amer. Cult. 217.002. (Bell)
492/Soc. 490/REES 490. Women and Islam: A Sociological Perspective. (3). (Excl).
See Sociology 490. (Goçek)
The Program in Women's Studies offers several options for independent study/directed reading.
Directed Reading. Women's Studies 385, 386, 387 (1-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Offer advanced Women's Studies students an opportunity to purpose independent, interdisciplinary projects.
385 has prerequisites of Women's Studies 100 or 240, one 300-level Women's Studies course, and permission of instructor. 386 has prerequisite of Women's Studies 385. 387 has prerequisite of Women's Studies 386.
441. Honors Research Tutorial. (1). (Excl). (TUTORIAL).
Prerequisites: Women's Studies 240. Prepares second term junior Women's Studies concentrators to write an Honors thesis. Students choose a thesis topic before beginning this tutorial. They then work independently with an appropriate faculty member to develop the research skills specific to their topics (e.g., analytic, library, or computer skills). By the end of the term students should have a well-defined research design and the skills to carry it out. Requirement: a short written thesis prospectus.
490 and 491. Honors Thesis. (2-4). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Prerequisite: Senior Honors Women's Studies concentrators. Provides Women's Studies Honors concentrators an opportunity for independent study under close supervision from their faculty advisor while preparing an Honors thesis.
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