WGST-Women-Gender-Studies

Interdisciplinary study of the social construction of gender and its relationship to class, race, age, ethnicity, nationality and sexual identity. Analysis of the causes and implications for the changing definition of women in the contemporary world, especially in the United States.

Who is the Virgin of Guadalupe? When was the Mexican Revolution? What is a "Zootsuit"? Students will explore these questions and more in the interdisciplinary course taught in English. In the class, students will become familiar with Chicana Mexican American history and culture through installation art, mural art, altar designs, and paintings by artists such as Frida Kahlo, Judy Baca, Amalia Mesa-Bains, and Yolanda Lopez among others. Students will also discuss issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality through texts by Chicana writers Gloria Anzaldua, Ana Castillo, Sandra Cisneros, and Demetria Martinez.

A thematic and topical course exploring women's roles as both productive subjects and depicted objects in western visual culture. Cross-listed as ARTH 205.

An examination of the biological, psychological and sociological factors that shape women's lives. Attention to the intersection of gender with ethnicity, sexual orientation, and social class. Specific topics include theories of gender development, images of women in the media, work, childbirth and motherhood, violence, physical and mental health. Cross-listed as PSY 255.

A multidisciplinary approach grounded in the humanities and arts will be employed to account for the social, economic, political, historical and cultural ways that gender is constructed and represented in contemporary societies.

Description and analysis of sex and gender roles and relationships from a variety of societies at different levels of socio-cultural complexity. Cross-listed as ANTH 300/SOC 306.

An examination of contemporary Latina literary productions in the context of representations of Latinas in mainstream U.S. society. The focus of the course is on women of Hispanic descent living and writing in the United States, including work by and about Chicanas, Puerto Ricans, Dominican Americans, and Cuban Americans. Previous course work in Latina/Latino literature not required, but some previous course work related to African American or other ethnic literature, women's literature/feminism, and/or film studies is strongly recommended. Cross-listed as ENGL 304/INDS 304.

An in-depth study of novels written by women. The course explores questions regarding gender, language, perception, and experience through the genre of the novel. Cross-listed as ENGL 314.

A survey of women's history from colonial times to present with emphasis on the changing status and definition of women's roles, race and ethnicity, and women's writings. Cross-listed as HIST 355.

Explores the history of women of African descent in the Americas, with a particular focus on the United States. Covers black women's experience from their African origins, through the Middle Passsage, in enslavement, and in freedom. Issues addressed include labor, the black family, cultural expression, and radical identity (in comparative perspective). Cross-listed as HIST 336.

Study of the literature written by and often about black women, including poetry, short and long fictions, novels, drama, biography, and autobiography from the 18th century to the present. Cross-listed as ENGL 340.

Examines ways in which health and illness for women are defined and managed. Topics include the medicalization of pregnancy and birth, adolescence and sexuality, addiction, mental health, menopause, body image, and, women as health care providers. Cross-listed as SOC 345.

Interdisciplinary approach to race and ethnicity in the United States and other contemporary multiethnic/multiracial societies. Because thee courses are equivalents, students who have earned credit for HIST/INDS/WOST 220 are not able to earn credit for this course.

Using a variety of theoretical models and critical approaches, students examine everyday communication practices to identify how gender, communication, and culture create a complex and dynamic web of meaning with significant implications for individuals and society. Cross-listed as COMM 373.

Variable content course. Topics announced in the online Course Offerings when offered.

A study of films by and about women in global cinema. The course focuses on women filmmakers primarily, and their uses of documentary, experimental, and/or narrative forms.

Directed study of student's own area of interest within gender studies, serving as a capstone to the interdisciplinary experience of the Women's & Gender Studies Program. The capstone may be a final project, undergraduate thesis, or community-based internship. For Women's & Gender Studies majors and minors only. Includes a required weekly meeting time with all WGST 401 enrollees.

An evaluation of the contributions of French women writers to the social, economic, and political institutions which form the basis of Western philosophical tradition.

An examination of how texts about women written by Francophone males have through history described women, defined their lives and destinies in keeping with the needs and requirements of these writers.

For non-Women's Studies minors only. Independent Study of an issue using gender as a primary category of analysis. Students must find an instructor willing to supervise the project - all disciplines are appropriate. Students must develop a proposal, obtain necessary approval of instructor and obtain final approval from the Women's Studies director.

Participation in on-campus or off-campus professional and subject related experience. Requires learning contract proposal prepared in consultation with direct supervisor and faculty sponsor, describing the experience, learning goals, and method of evaluation. Approval of Women's and Gender Studies Coordinator required in advance.

Required for all Women's Studies majors. Involves compilation of papers from courses in the Women's Studies core, reflecting engagement with the goals of the major. Must be taken concurrently with WGST Gender and Social Change.

Directed study of student's own area of interest within women's studies, serving as a capstone to the interdisciplinary experience of the Women's Studies Program. The capstone may be a final project, undergraduate thesis, or community-based internship. For Women's Studies majors and minors only. Includes a required weekly meeting time with all Gender and Social Change enrollees.