Women's Studies

Women's Studies (minor only)

Changes effective Spring Term 2002

Faculty teaching Women's Studies courses include members of the Expressive Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Divisions in the College of Arts and Sciences. Please see the schedule of classes for each academic term for specific assignments.

Women's studies explores the nature and creations of women often neglected in traditional academic offerings. The multidisciplinary curriculum draws faculty from many departments – anthropology, biology, economics, religion, history, English, political science, sociology, and other disciplines.

Women's studies minors learn to evaluate cultural forces that have formed contemporary perceptions and expectations of women. Students investigate biological sexual differences, culturally assigned gender roles, theories about female consciousness and behavior, and restraints imposed by law and social conventions. The field covers an exciting range of topics, from the history of feminism to women's art and literature. 

MINOR REQUIREMENTS

Six (6) courses are required: three (3) core courses, three (3) electives, AND a service-learning component. 

CORE COURSES

  • WMS 205 Introduction to Women’s Studies
  • PHI 314 Topics in Philosophy: Feminist Theory
  • WMS 350 Feminist Methodology OR an independent research project

ELECTIVES

Choose three (3) courses listed in the schedule of classes under women’s studies that meet the following criteria.

  • At least one at the 300 level or above
  • At least one in the humanities
  • At least one in the social sciences
  • May be independent studies
  • May count toward student’s major

SERVICE LEARNING

Students must complete twenty (20) hours of service learning as part of one (1) or two (2) courses.

  • May be part of core courses or WMS electives
  • May be part of other courses with approval of women’s studies coordinator

 

Course of Study

WMS 2xx Topics in Women's Studies: Explores issues within the field of Women's Studies; may be from a range of disciplinary perspectives and cover issues including, but not limited to, sex, gender, and sexuality. Topics vary. May be repeated for credit. Suitable for first- and second-year students.

WMS 3xx Topics in Women's Studies. Explores issues within the field of Women's Studies; may be from a range of disciplinary perspectives and cover issues including, but not limited to, sex, gender, and sexuality. Topics vary. May be repeated for credit. Suitable for third- and fourth-year students.

WMS 205 Introduction to Women's Studies: Presents feminist theory and origins of women's studies. Discusses classic texts of contemporary feminist movement. Raises consciousness about sexual stereotypes, anger, female friendships, lesbianism, mothering, violence against women, and economic power. 

WMS 350 Feminist Methodology: Explores questions debated within academy. Examines feminist critique of and innovations in methodology in many fields, from the humanities to the social sciences.