Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGS)
Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality studies as an interdisciplinary field spanning the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Study of historical perspectives and contemporary understanding of women and gender. Theory, systematic analysis, and experiential accounts used to explore complexities of gender, and other identity determinants, mechanisms of power and privilege, and avenues for social change.
GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Provides and analysis of contemporary American family structures and processes and their development. Focus on socialization, mate selection, marital adjustment and dissolution, and child socialization. Includes core sociological concepts, methods, theories.
GEP Social Sciences, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Interdisciplinary introduction to the reciprocal relationships between scientific/technological research and contemporary understanding of gender. Special emphasis on social factors influencing scientists and engineers in their professions.
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
An interdisciplinary review of domination, oppression, and exploitation in the U.S., this course will introduce feminist theories, abolitionist histories and strategies, and critiques of colonization and capitalism. Abolitionist Futures will use a critical queer lens to generate new possibilities and paradigms for imagining a future beyond policing and incarceration, exploring alternatives such as transformative justice and mutual aid.
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall only
An introduction to the study of men and masculinity as an interdisciplinary field spanning the humanities and social sciences. This course will draw on both historical perspectives and contemporary understanding of men and masculinity, with attention to key domains of men's lives such as the roles of men in fiction and film, race and masculinity, religion and masculinity, fatherhood, masculinity and sports, and male sexuality.
GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Examination of varying topics on women and/or gender from an interdisciplinary perspective at an introductory level.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
This course provides an overview of primarily US and western feminist theoretical perspectives by focusing on the variety of viewpoints within feminism and their specific historical roots. More than half of the course is devoted to studying specific themes and issues in women's history. The historical background lays the foundation for examining specific feminist theories, including liberal feminism, difference feminism and black feminism/womanism. The course prepares students for further work in Women's and Gender Studies, including WGS 492.
Prerequisite: WGS 200
Typically offered in Fall only
This course covers foundational sociological theory and research on sex and gender. Using a sociological lens, the course explores the interactions, identities, and institutions that are implicated in the social construction of gender. A core emphasis is on the sex/gender dichotomy and the gender binary, how individuals learn and "do" gender, and how various institutions (e.g., school, work, and family) produce and perpetuate gender inequality. The course also considers recent transformations of gender to examine if/how they might challenge the status-quo.
P: 3 credits in SOC at the 200-level
GEP Social Sciences, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Nineteenth through twenty-first century women's literature, as shaped by the intersecting and competing claims of gender, race, sexuality, and culture. Focus on fiction, accompanied by critical readings from American studies, feminist literary criticism, and postmodern theory.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and above
GEP Humanities, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course explores the role of gender in contemporary American politics. The course examines the historical course of gender politics to see how we have arrived at the present state. It investigates the activities that women and men play in modern politics-voting, running for office, serving in office, etc., and how women and men perform these activities in different ways. The course also focuses on major areas of public policy that affect women and men in different ways.
Prerequisite: PS 201
GEP Social Sciences, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall only
Contemporary issues in ecofeminism provides a historical introduction to and global perspectives on women's sociopolitical, ethical, and economic contributions to the 20th and 21st century environmental movement. Theory and political action as they interweave issues of gender, race, and class in western and non-western contexts will be emphasized. Students will read works by and about female scientists/activists/writers and examine their own communities, analyzing the ways that individuals, community values, and dominant institutions impact women's relationships with the environment. Students will formulate questions, responses, and interpretations through critical reading practices, class discussion groups, self-reflective writing, and comparative analyses. Special attention will be paid to the role of literature--memoir, novel, short story, essay--in the dissemination of ecofeminist ideas.
GEP Humanities, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Typically offered in Spring only
Internship program. Introduction to careers that deal specifically with women's issues. Ten-hours-per-week work at a nonprofit or governmental organization. Contextualization of that experience through additional academic requirements. Individualized/Independent Study and Research courses require a Course Agreement for Students Enrolled in Non-Standard Courses be completed by the student and faculty member prior to registration by the department.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
This course seeks to both analyze and disrupt dominant narratives of science, technology, and science fiction by exploring the possibilities of alternative futures as imagined by and with feminist communities and feminist thinkers. By examining critical technology studies, theories of feminist technoscience, and speculative and science fiction across media, we will work to interrogate how technologies have been used to create, sustain, or challenge systems of power and oppression and to imagine new possibilities.
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Typically offered in Spring only
Introduction to the use of language by men and women. Research in Linguistics and Women's Studies addressing issues such as the acquisition of gender-differentiated language, gender and conversational interaction, sexism in language, gender issues in society, and the relationship between language, gender, and other social constructs (e.g., class, culture, and ethnicity).
Prerequisite: ENG 101
Typically offered in Fall only
Women and Health utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to explore historical perspectives on health, access to health technologies, health policy research, and emerging topics in women's health. The humanities, social sciences, and biological sciences inform inquiry into "hot topics" in health policy, ethics, and the medical sciences. The health of women is dissected through a lens of gender equity and domestic and international perspectives are employed. Students are encouraged to identify and study topics of their own interest.
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Exploration of advanced specialized topics in Women's and Gender Studies, to enhance in-depth undergraduate training in specific applied theories and methods. Seminar content will rotate, with attention to contemporary theoretical currents, and their application and effectiveness in addressing important emerging issues affecting individuals' well-being in society, particularly those faced by underrepresented groups.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course examines the role of gender in the support, creation, and performance of music in the United States and Europe from the 17th century until the present within appropriate cultural, social, economic, and political frameworks. Students trace the changing gendered cultural expectations that affect women's musical opportunities and performance traditions in repertoires ranging from Western classical music to various types of popular music including the blues, jazz, soul, and pop. Emphasis is placed on understanding how the past informs current issues related to women in American music including depictions of women's bodies in music videos, the intersection of race, sexuality, and gender in popular music, the #MeToo movement, and the representation of women's experiences in music. No previous musical experience is required.
GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP Visual and Performing Arts
Typically offered in Spring only
Effects of gender on the interpersonal communication process. Construction of gendered identities via communication practices. Examination of theories of gender and the role of gender in organizational, institutional, and media communication practices.
Prerequisite: Junior standing, COM 112
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth view of recent research about the influence of contemporary gender relations on science and engineering. Readings address feminist theories about sex/gender, race/class/sexualities, the social construction of science, and technological innovation. Discussions will focus on scholarship that explores how, why, and when a "gender lens" brings value to understanding nature and knowledge.
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Typically offered in Spring only
Focused examination of Black feminist theory as a significant and distinct body of work. Interdisciplinary exploration of the impact of Black feminist theory on movements for social justice, the development of academic feminism generally, and the lived experience of Black women both in the United States and internationally.
Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in either WGS or AFS
GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Queer Theory provides an overview of the writings, art, identity/ies, work, politics, debates, histories, bodies, intimacies, kinship, and other lived realities of the people and experiences often organized under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. As a critical theory, queer theory examines how circulations of power, dominance, and oppression constantly re/vision what it is to be queer, queering, and queered. The course will focus on how gender, race, class, functional diversity, sexuality, work, documentation status, age, etc. impact and are impacted by queer becoming.
P: Any 3-credit 200-level WGS course.
GEP Humanities
Typically offered in Fall and Summer
Special topics in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the 300 level for offering courses on an experimental basis.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course is designed to introduce students to the origins and significance of the study of gender differences and gender relations from a psychological perspective. The course focuses on current theory and research on perceived and actual biological, social, cognitive, personality and emotional similarities and differences of men and women throughout the lifespan as well as the construction and meaning of gender in our society.
GEP Social Sciences, GEP U.S. Diversity, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Exploration of sexuality in a social context. Relationship between sexuality, gender and power in the U.S. Historical trends in behaviors and identities: social movements and sexual issues; current behavioral trends. Some issues covered; identity, social construction, sexual meanings.
Prerequisite: 3 hours SOC 200 level, 300 level
Typically offered in Spring only
This course examines the ways in which women writers from diverse backgrounds have revised the literary genres to include the varied experiences of women. It will focus on a different generic area, such as poetry, fiction, drama or autobiography, depending on its instructor.
Requisite: Sophomore Standing or Above
GEP Humanities, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Spring only
Law and policy pertaining to contemporary gender issues. Examination of agenda setting, policy formation, implementation, judicial interpretation and evaluation of selected issues, such as reproductive policies, equal employment and sexual abuse.
Prerequisite: 3 hours of Political Science
GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Spring only
Comparison of women in a variety of societies: western and non-western; hunting and gathering to industrialized. Cross-cultural perspective on the similarity and diversity of women's statuses and roles. Effect of gender on social position
Prerequisite: ANT 252 and one of the following: ANT 310,325,330 or 346
Typically offered in Spring only
This course is offered alternate years
The historical experience of women in America from Native American and European contact through the colonial period to the immediate post-Civil-War years (to 1890). Topics include the history of women's work, education, legal and political status, religious experience, and sex roles, with consideration of age, class, race, sexual preference, and region as significant variables in women's experience in America. Credit will not be given for both HI (WGS) 447 and HI (WGS) 547.
P: 3 Hours of History
GEP Humanities, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall only
This course is offered alternate years
Women's historical experience in America, 1890-1990. Changes in women's work, education, legal and political status, and sex roles, age, class, race, sexual preference and region as significant variables in women's experience. Credit will not be given for both HI (WGS) 448 and HI (WGS) 548.
P: 3 hrs. of History
GEP Humanities, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Spring only
This course is offered alternate years
Historical, literary, and theological sources dealing with portrayals of women and women's religious experience in several religious traditions of the world through different historical periods, from ancient to modern. Impact of feminist theory on the academic study of religion; methodological issues surrounding the study of women's religious history; role of religion in shaping attitudes toward women and their status in society. Students cannot receive credit for both REL/WGS 472 and REL/WGS 572.
Prerequisite: one course in religious studies or women's and gender studies
GEP Humanities
Typically offered in Spring only
This course is offered alternate odd years
Examines comparative religious ethics concerning gender marriage, parenthood, children, and the relationship of human beings to the "natural". Relates these views to new and emerging reproductive and genetic technologies. Compares the internally diverse perspectives of three major religious traditions with regard to their interpretations of these technologies. Analyzes the impact of particular uses of these technologies on the rights of women and girls. Students cannot earn credit for more than one of: REL 473, REL 573, WGS 473, WGS 573.
Prerequisite: One 3 cr course in Philosophy (PHI) or Religious Studies (REL) or Women's and Gender Studies (WGS). Credit is not allowed for more than one of REL 473, WGS 473.
Typically offered in Fall only
Examination of feminist theory. Study of formative texts in modern feminism, drawn from various disciplines within the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. In-depth exploration of feminist perspectives on issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, work and mothering, among others. Analysis of local and global cultural practices using feminist theoretical frameworks.
GEP Humanities, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Examination of varying topics on women and/or gender from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Typically offered in Fall only
Exploration of gender as primary identity and social construct. Emphasis on gender dynamics in counseling, client empowerment and preventive approaches.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or Six hrs. in ED or PSY
Typically offered in Spring and Summer
Comparison of women in a variety of societies: western and non-western; hunting and gathering to industrialized. Cross-cultural perspective on the similarity and diversity of women's statuses and roles. Effect of gender on social position
Prerequisite: ANT 252 and one of the following: ANT 310,325,330 or 346
Typically offered in Spring only
This course is offered alternate years
The historical experience of women in America from Native American and European contact through the colonial period to the immediate post-Civil-War years (to 1890). Topics include the history of women's work, education, legal and political status, religious experience, and sex roles, with consideration of age, class, race, sexual preference, and region as significant variables in women's experience in America. Credit will not be given for both HI (WGS) 447 and HI (WGS) 547.
P: 3 Hours of History
GEP Humanities, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall only
This course is offered alternate years
Women's historical experience in America, 1890-1990. Changes in women's work, education, legal and political status, and sex roles, age, class, race, sexual preference and region as significant variables in women's experience. Credit will not be given for both HI (WGS) 448 and HI (WGS) 548.
P: 3 hrs. of History
GEP Humanities, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Spring only
This course is offered alternate years
Historical, literary, and theological sources dealing with portrayals of women and women's religious experience in several religious traditions of the world through different historical periods, from ancient to modern. Impact of feminist theory on the academic study of religion; methodological issues surrounding the study of women's religious history; role of religion in shaping attitudes toward women and their status in society. Students cannot receive credit for both REL/WGS 472 and REL/WGS 572.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
Typically offered in Spring only
This course is offered alternate odd years
Examines comparative religious ethics concerning gender marriage, parenthood, children, and the relationship of human beings to the "natural". Relates these views to new and emerging reproductive and genetic technologies. Compares the internally diverse perspectives of three major religious traditions with regard to their interpretations of these technologies. Analyzes the impact of particular uses of these technologies on the rights of women and girls. Students cannot earn credit for more than one of: REL 473, REL 573, WGS 473, WGS 573.
Prerequisite: One 3 cr course in Philosophy (PHI) or Religious Studies (REL) or Women's and Gender Studies (WGS). Credit is not allowed for more than one of REL 473, WGS 473.
Typically offered in Fall only
Examination of a core topic on women and/or gender from an interdisciplinary perspective at the graduate level.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Typically offered in Summer only
Current theory and research on perceived and actual biological, social, cognitive, personality, and emotional similarities and differences of men and women throughout lifespan. Construction and consequences of gender in our society and others.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Theories about the development and maintenance of gender. Historical development of gender stratification. How individuals "do gender" in their daily lives. Contemporary research and substantive readings about gender in public and intimate relationships.
Typically offered in Fall only
This course is offered alternate even years
The effects of race, class and gender inequality on the formation of group consciousness, self-evaluations, emotions, values, attitudes and beliefs. Attention to interpersonal processes through to reproduction of inequality in everyday life.
Requisite: Admission to SOC Graduate Program
Typically offered in Spring only