Courses

WMST-100 Introduction to Women's Studies

Introduces the issues, methodology and findings contained in the scholarship across the disciplines about women. Readings and discussions concentrate on how and why women in this culture and others live as they do. The course examines the historical, economic, political, cultural and psychological factors which determine the choices women can make about their own lives.

WMST-200 Feminist Philosophy

WMST-207 Women in the Biblical Tradition

An extensive inquiry into women?s stories andimages in the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and related literature from the biblical period. Explores the range of roles played by women withinbiblical narratives, the variety ofmetaphorical/symbolic uses of femininity in biblical traditions, and legal and ethical precepts related to the status of women in the biblical period. Methods and approaches from the social sciences, history, literary studies, and theology, as shaped by feminist theory, will serveas the main guides for this study.

WMST-211 Women and U.S. Politics

An introductory examination of the role of women in the U.S. political system. The course includes a theoretical and historical view of thedevelopment of women's political activity in the United States, as well as a contemporary look at women as activists, voters, and candidates. Current issues are incorporated as appropriate.

WMST-225 Women in Religion

. Critically studies how women are perceived,portrayed, and involved in a number of the world'sreligions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and women's spiritual movements.

WMST-250 The Biology of Women

Examines the genetic and biological basis of gender difference, the unique biology of the female body, and women's health care issues. Topics include female reproductive anatomy and themenstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, developmental differences in the sexes, and reproductive technologies. Also covers problems such as breast cancer, premenstrual syndrome, and osteoporosis. Includes the role of women in the health care system, as well as biology and sciencein general. Not for biology major or minor credit.

WMST-260 Women in Music

Surveys women in music as performers and composersfrom the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Addresses the role society played in shaping women's activities and examines the achievements of notable women.

WMST-300 Women and Violence

Examines some of the many kinds of violence involving women, including pornography, sexual harassment, battering, and rape. Considers the effects of such violence, as well as possibleresponses, including raising awareness, establishing and enforcing a variety of laws,training individuals in self-defense, and engagingin various forms of activism. Also includes some training in women's self-defense by a certified instructor.

WMST-313 Women in Art

. A study of the historic perception and the social history of the role of women in art: as artist, as subject of art, and as patron(audience) of art. Emphasizes exploration anddebate over issues affecting present dayperceptions about the woman artist of the past andthe future.

WMST-334 Psychology of Gender

. Explores current theory and research in the development of gender and consequences of gender roles. Covers evolutionary, biological, psychoanalytic, cognitive, social learning, and cross-cultural perspectives on gender, as well as approaches that seek to understand interactions among these influences.

WMST-355 Asia: Family and Gender

An overview of continuities and discontinuities ofthe family pattern and the gender roles in Asian nations, mainly China and Japan, from the premodern time to the present. The course will usehistorical events and personal stories, scholarly and fictional writings, and films to trace the feminist movements and major developments of gender consciousness, relationships, and the family structure in Asian history. Students will fully explore the way in which class, society, andhistory create different life possibilities for women and, in turn, how the changing gender relations and family patterns affected society, history, and individuals.

WMST-365 Literature and Gender

Introduces the study of literature by and about women. Includes critical theory and a variety of primary texts from several periods, traditional and non-traditional genres, and cultural groups.

WMST-380 Women in Organizations

Examines the role of sex and gender in organizations. Special attention is given to topics relevant to women working in organizations,such as sex and gender differences in: career/job preferences, advancement and pay, teamwork, leadership, sexuality in the workplace and work-family balance. Other topics addressed include hostile vs. benevolent sexism as well as practices designed to increase diversity within organizations. Class is conducted in a seminar format.

WMST-400 Topics in Women's Studies

. Occasional offerings of specialized courses exploring topics of pertinent interest to faculty members and students.

WMST-503 Practicum

Individual work on a focused topic or specialized area in women's studies/the study of gender.