WMST - Women Studies (WMST)

This course considers ways in which the critical analysis of gender-related issues might contribute to the discipline of philosophy, including in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science, philosophy of language, and ethics.

Examines biological, cultural and psychosocial differences and similarities between women and men with respect to development and personality. Emphasizes the role of gender in contemporary culture.

Examines the causes, manifestations, preventive strategies, and interventions applicable to the inappropriate use of force between and among persons known to each other, including acquaintance rape; spouse battering; child, adolescent and elder abuse. 3 credits (Cross-listed SOWK 1335)

An interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students to the contributions of women to history, society and culture, and enable them to understand and evaluate the effects of social institutions and cultural expectations on gender.

Examination of the wide range of theories and perspectives that constitute feminism today. Three main parts: historical overview of the development of feminist thinking; analysis of major feminist theories; and examination of the intersections between traditional philosophy and feminist thinking.

An exploration of the contributions of women writers to Western literature from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, including an examination of relevant works in cultural history. Cross-listed with Women and Gender Studies for credit toward women and gender studies minor. (Formerly ENGL 2113).

This course explores textual representations and conceptualizations of ‘woman’ from the early 19th century to the present, primarily but not exclusively in the Western tradition. Students will examine how ideas of ‘woman’ are influenced by factors such as race, class, religion, and colonization.

Women are often omitted from the story of science. In reality, women have always been part of science, and have made significant contributions and discoveries to fields such as Physics, Biology, Medicine, and Chemistry. But who are these women? What did they do? How did they get written out of science? What happens if they’re included? Students in this course will learn about women who contributed to science; examine the methods and systems (ex. social, economic, educational) by which women have been excluded from it and from the narrative of science’s discoveries and development; and explore the impact on the story of science of including women’s contribution.

Analysis of historical and sociological perspectives of the Black man and woman as separate entities and as partners. Primary focus on the African-American experience. Myths and misconceptions. Contemporary issues: projects for the future.

Directed study and research in chosen area of women and gender studies selected by the student in consultation with the program director. Requires extensive collaboration with a faculty member in the specific discipline and a major research problem.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the experiences of women varied widely. Focusing on four broad categories – queens, wives, religious women, and women of ill-repute – this course looks at the broad scope of women’s roles in medieval Europe. How did a woman’s marital status affect the expectations of her role in society? What was life like for women in towns versus peasant women? What did medieval families look like, and what were the roles of family members? What legal rights and obligations did women have, and what recourse did they have in resolving disputes? What limitations and opportunities existed for women in the Middle Ages? Why did women become prostitutes? How and when were women able to wield very real political power? Readings will include primary sources such as letters, literature, legal documents, saints’ lives, histories, handbooks, and other contemporary writings.

This course considers how race, region, and gender have shaped Americans’ understandings of families in poverty in the twentieth century. We will consider the solutions to poverty proposed by reformers and policymakers alongside the lived experience of poor families themselves. Our goal will be to think critically about the sources of poverty as well as about how ideas about social justice, poverty, and poor families themselves have changed over time. 3

This course introduces students to the study of gender and sexuality in US History. This class examines how sexuality has been socially constructed, how understandings of sexuality have changed over time, and how questions about sexuality have been shaped by public debates about categories like race and class. Topics will include sexual violence, queer communities, sexual rights, and the regulation of sexuality by the state.

Through texts by and about English Catholic women composed between 1660 and 1800, students in this course will learn about the challenges and opportunities facing these women and the ways – textual and practical – in which they faced them. Students will explore how text, whether private or public, provided 17th and 18th century English Catholic women with a means for negotiating the opportunities and limitations they faced as women, as Catholics, and as Catholic women.

Survey of women's participation in the media and the portrayal of women by the media. Critical study of how women have been represented in journalism, film, television and advertising. 3 credits.