Women's and Gender Studies (WGST)
WGST 1004: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Social Science
Organized study of selected topics in women's and gender studies. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hour: 1-3
WGST 1005: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Humanities
Organized study of selected topics in women's and gender studies. Subjects may vary from semester to semester. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 1110: LGBTQ+ Studies and Activism
This interdisciplinary course is designed to engage with scholarship, personal narratives, and other forms of media that address key topics in LGBTQ studies. Throughout the course, we will consider the intersection between sexual and gender identities and other axes of difference such as race, class, disability, religion, and citizenship. We will utilize a critical lens to analyze the formation and evolution of LGBTQ communities, cultures, and activist movements, with an eye toward present and future efforts for cultural and political change. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 1120: Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies
Introduction to the basic issues of Western feminist thought through a study of classical and contemporary sources. Course will consider images, conditions, activities and visions of women as they vary historically and socially.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 1360: The Female Experience: Body, Identity, and Culture
(same as SOCIOL 1360). Study of the experience of being female in American Culture. Course will focus on development of women's identities through such topics as: sexuality, reproduction, self-image, rape and health care.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 1500: The Black Woman in America
(same as BL_STU 1500). Review and critique of a variety of materials about Black women from slavery to the social and philosophical impact of the Black woman's struggle on all women.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: sophomore standing
WGST 2003: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Behavioral
Organized study of selected topics in women's and gender studies. Subjects may vary from semester to semester. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2005: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Humanities
Organized study of selected topics in women's and gender studies. Subjects may vary from semester to semester. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2010: Understanding Intersectionality
Explores historical and contemporary dimensions of social inequality in gender, race, class, and sexuality. Uses an interdisciplinary lens and feminist analysis to analyze the social, cultural, political and economic experiences of individuals and communities.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2020: Feminist Theory
Introduces central themes and problems in feminist thought, including consciousness-raising, motherhood, class, race, sexuality, nationalism, and transnational feminism.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2040: Perspectives on Empowerment
Women's Empowerment is a popular catch phrase in culture, politics and research. This course explores the meaning of empowerment, the ways empowerment is practiced in organizations and in the everyday lives of girls and women, and the challenges in empowering girls and women in contemporary society. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2050: Gender and Public Health
(same as P_HLTH 2050). Addresses issues of gender and public health in the US and abroad. Considers how race, class, gender, sexuality, and geopolitical context may impact health. May focus on specific health issues. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 hours) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2060: Introduction to Transgender Studies
Introduction to Transgender Studies explores issues related to transgender identity and experience. The course begins with an overview of transgender history in the U.S. and North America, from the nineteenth century to the present. Next, students will learn some of the theoretical foundations and conflicts/debates of transgender studies - from gender performativity to embodiment. After that, homing in on questions of storytelling, memory, and autobiography, students will explore some of the narratological and representational questions that emerge when trying to tell stories about transness. Finally, students will examine the material conditions which shape trans life in the twenty-first century - from administrative violence to care and mutual aid. By the end of the course, students will be versed in transgender history, the field of transgender studies, and contemporary transgender issues/politics. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2080: Perspectives on Sexual and Gender Diversity
This interdisciplinary, cross-cultural course investigates modern constructions of sexed and gendered bodies, paying particular attention to those systems of gender-based oppression that suppress multiple gender identities and expressions. May be repeated for credit with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: sophomore standing
WGST 2180: Introduction to Women's Literature
(same as ENGLSH 2180). A study of traditional and non-traditional literature written by women from the perspective of feminist themes-love, power, work, family and other relations. No more than six hours may be taken in the Introduction to Women's Literature series.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: ENGLSH 1000
WGST 2180W: Introduction to Women's Literature - Writing Intensive
(same as ENGLSH 2180W). A study of traditional and non-traditional literature written by women from the perspective of feminist themes-love, power, work, family and other relations. No more than six hours may be taken in the Introduction to Women's Literature series.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: ENGLSH 1000
WGST 2189W: Introduction to Women's Literature, 1890 to Present-Writing Intensive
(same as ENGLSH 2189W). See WGST 2180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2200H: British Women Writers - Honors
Study of works by important British women writers. We also consider the development of women's writing and the contribution of women writers to literature and to larger societal debates. May be repeated for credit.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: honors eligibility required
Recommended: sophomore standing
WGST 2250: Gender, Race, Class and Sexuality in the Americas
Introduction to the formation of identities in the Americas. Some areas covered are immigration, transnational identity, pop culture, literary expression, body image, spirituality, racism/sexism, assimilation, acculturation, and activism. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2250W: Gender, Race, Class and Sexuality in the Americas - Writing Intensive
Introduction to the formation of identities in the Americas. Some areas covered are immigration, transnational identity, pop culture, literary expression, body image, spirituality, racism/sexism, assimilation, acculturation, and activism. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2260: Perspectives on Mass Media: Constructions of Gender, Race and Sexuality
Examines constructions of gender, race, class and sexuality in the US media in the twentieth and twenty first centuries. Emphasis placed on media's coverage and uses of various socially constructed identities. May be repeated for credit with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2340: Gender and Popular Culture
Explores issues in popular culture in the 20th and 21st centuries with respect to feminism, gender, sexuality, race, class, and ability. Areas of study may include television, movies, music, advertisements, magazines, fiction, newspapers, the internet, and social media. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2340H: Gender and Popular Culture - Honors
Explores issues in popular culture in the 20th and 21st centuries with respect to feminism, gender, sexuality, race, class, and ability. Areas of study may include television, movies, music, advertisements, magazines, fiction, newspapers, the internet, and social media. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required
WGST 2400: Social History of U.S. Women
(same as HIST 2400). This course, the social history of US women, offers a general overview of US women, beginning with the colonial period up to the present day.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2410: African American Women in History
(same as HIST 2410 and BL_STU 2410). Covers major issues affecting black women since their introduction into English-speaking North America to the present.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 2500: Philosophy and Gender
(same as PHIL 2500). A critical examination of central ideas and themes in feminist philosophical thought. Topics may include: sex, marriage, parenthood, reproduction, body image, pornography, prostitution.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: sophomore standing
WGST 2960: Sexual Health Education and Advocacy
(same as SOC_WK 2960). Students will critically investigate sexuality and reproductive health within a cultural context including religious, political, social justice, familial, and societal influences. Through assigned readings, reflection, small group activities and discussion, students will increase their awareness of sexual health issues, enhance self awareness, and learn how to effectively educate their peers surrounding issues of sexual health.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3003: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Behavioral Sciences
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3004: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Social Sciences
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3005: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Humanities
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3005H: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Humanities - Honors
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: honors eligibility required
WGST 3005W: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Humanities - Writing Intensive
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hour: 1-3
Recommended: junior standing and/or WGST 1120
WGST 3080: Sexuality and Gender Theory
(same as ENGLSH 3080). Examination of major theoretical approaches and debates in the study of gender and sexuality, with particular attention to the intersection of culture, representation, and identity. May be repeated to 6 hours with departments consent.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3150: Themes in Gender and Work
This is an interdisciplinary course on gender and work. The course addresses topics such as contemporary and historical feminist debates about gender and work; problems of gender inequality at the workplace; historical context of contemporary patterns of gender inequality at work; and how gender intersects with race, class, sexuality and other social categories to shape people's work lives.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3180: Historical Survey of Women Writers
(same as ENGLSH 3180). A study of writing by women from the Middle Ages to the present.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3180W: Historical Survey of Women Writers - Writing Intensive
(same as ENGLSH 3180). A study of writing by women from the Middle Ages to the present.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3220: U.S. Women's Political History, 1880-Present
(same as HIST 3220). This course explores American women's engagement with American politics (broadly defined) over the course of the twentieth century. It addresses issues of political identity, organization, ideology, and division.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: sophomore standing
WGST 3230: Themes in Sexual Politics
Explores transnational politics of sex/sexuality, examines the theoretical, historical, analytical, and socio-cultural context of race, gender and sexuality. Students learn and apply a transdisciplinary approach and analyze shifts in the field of sexuality studies. May be repeated for credit with different themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3230W: Themes in Sexual Politics - Writing Intensive
Explores transnational politics of sex/sexuality, examines the theoretical, historical, analytical, and socio-cultural context of race, gender and sexuality. Students learn and apply a transdisciplinary approach and analyze shifts in the field of sexuality studies. May be repeated for credit with different themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3260: Gender, Law and Justice
Course addresses issues related to gender, law and the justice system in the U.S. and /or globally. Topics may include history of women's rights in the U.S.; contemporary issues in law and justice such as incarceration, human trafficking, and gay marriage; and the ways race, class, sexuality and citizenship shape experiences of justice. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3270: Themes in Masculinities
Explores how male experiences are shaped by gender expectations and social context, with emphasis on challenges and privileges associated with negotiating masculine gender role expectations. Evaluates the impact of gender, especially in American popular culture, on diverse men and their families. Studies how gender interacts with sexuality, race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and non-binary gender expressions. Course may be repeated for credit (up to 6 hours) with a different semester theme.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3300: Queer Theories/Identities
(same as SOCIOL 3300). Analysis of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and queer identities in culture and society with an emphasis on the contributions of queer theory and other GLBT standpoint theories to sociology and the study of society.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: SOCIOL 2200
WGST 3300H: Queer Theories/Identities - Honors
(same as SOCIOL 3300). Analysis of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and queer identities in culture and society with an emphasis on the contributions of queer theory and other GLBT standpoint theories to sociology and the study of society.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required
Recommended: SOCIOL 2200
WGST 3300W: Queer Theories/Identities - Writing Intensive
(same as SOCIOL 3300). Analysis of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and queer identities in culture and society with an emphasis on the contributions of queer theory and other GLBT standpoint theories to sociology and the study of society.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: SOCIOL 2200
WGST 3320: Sociology of Gender
(same as SOCIOL 3320). Study of the ways in which femininities and masculinities are constructed in American society with particular attention to gender ideologies and the gendered nature of the social structure.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOCIOL 1000 or SOCIOL 1360
WGST 3320W: Sociology of Gender - Writing Intensive
(same as SOCIOL 3320W). Study of the ways in which femininities and masculinities are constructed in American society with particular attention to gender ideologies and the gendered nature of the social structure.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOCIOL 1000 or SOCIOL 1360
WGST 3370: Gender and Religion
Students acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of gender in religious communities including the construction of women's/men's religious identities, their gender relations, societal roles and status. Themes may explore how the organizational structures of religion can be a vehicle of oppression and a place for justice and autonomy; may explore the representation and practices of specific religions; or may address the intersections of gender, class, race, geopolitics, and religion. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with a different semester theme.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3450W: Feminist Methodologies - Writing Intensive
This course is an opportunity to explore the difference that feminism makes in doing research. Students can begin to identify the research tools and strategies suited to questions they want to pursue.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3480: Themes in Sexuality and Literature
Examines sexuality and representations of sexuality in literature. The specific topic will be announced at the time of registration. May be repeated for credit with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: sophomore standing
WGST 3560: Gender and Immigration
Explores current controversies in immigration in various locations. The course will cover a number of topics including nationalism and citizenship, national identity, identity and fluidity, social inequality and others. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3570: European Women in the 19th Century
(same as HIST 3570). Examines the history of European women from 1750 to 1900. The course focuses on how industrialization, the French Revolution and nation-formation changed women's role in the family, workplace and the state. Grading: exams, papers and discussions.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: sophomore standing
WGST 3650: Themes in Feminism
Course may cover historical and contemporary understandings of feminism, feminist movements in the U.S. and globally, and key debates in feminism. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3650H: Themes in Feminism - Honors
Course may cover historical and contemporary understandings of feminism, feminist movements in the U.S. and globally, and key debates in feminism. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required
WGST 3670: Gender and Globalization
Introduces transnational feminist theories, considers the practices and material circumstances related to globalization, and explores how class, gender, place/nation, (dis) ability, sexuality and colonial practices complicate our understanding of globalization. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3850: Gender and the Politics of Representation
Examines the gendered politics of representation by analyzing film, literature, popular media, and/or other popular cultural texts. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 3960: Strategies for Effective Peer Education
(same as HLTH_SCI 3965, P_HLTH 3960). Course designed to promote effective presentation skills on a variety of health topics, specifically sexual health. Students will engage in experiential practice and skill building surrounding cultural competency, difficult discourses, discussion facilitation and behavior management. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: WGST 2960
WGST 4001: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-General
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4003: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Behavioral Sciences
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4005: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Humanities
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable up to 6 hours.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4010: WGST Majors in the World
WGST Majors in the World is a great professional development course focused on preparing students for life after graduation. In this course, you develop first drafts of a cover letter, a resume, a CV, and a personal statement centering the ideas, insights, and skills learned in your WGST courses. You will also meet (via zoom) a variety of WGST graduates and professional contacts to help you along the way. While there is no prerequisite for the course, we strongly suggest students have taken at least one WGST class. Graded on S/U basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: This course is designed primarily for WGST majors and minors but is open to all students. Having at least one prior WGST class is strongly recommended
WGST 4020: Studies in Feminist Thought
(same as BL_STU 4020; cross-leveled with WGST 7020). Examines recent problems and critical debates within feminist theory. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4110: Feminist Research and Criticism
(same as SOCIOL 4110; cross-leveled with WGST 7110, SOCIOL 7110) Examination of both feminist critique of traditional social research and recent, feminist-oriented research that attempts to answer these criticisms.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4115: Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention: Intersections of Social Justice
This course explores the nature and dynamics of power-based personal violence under a social justice framework. Students will learn about the anti-violence movement, increase understanding of oppression and how it relates to sexual assault, and acquire facilitation skills necessary to provide presentations on various related topics. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing
WGST 4120: Gender and the Arts
(same as ARH_VS 4120; cross-level with WGST 7120, ARH_VS 7120). Exploration of the relationship between the visual arts and constructions of gender and sexuality in selected eras.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent
WGST 4180: Major Women Writers
(same as ENGLSH 4180). Study of a limited number (1-3) of significant writers to be read intensively using contemporary feminist critical theory. Repeatable with department's consent maximum of six hours for WGST 4180 and WGST 4480.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4181: Themes in Literature by Women
(same as ENGLSH 4181 and BL_STU 4181). Examines works by a number of women writers with particular attention to their sociopolitical context. May repeat to six hours with department's consent.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: junior standing
WGST 4186: Major Women Writers, Beginning to 1603
(same as ENGLSH 4186). See WGST 4180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4188: Major Women Writers, 1789-1890
(same as ENGLSH 4188). See WGST 4180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4188H: Major Women Writers, 1789-1890 - Honors
(same as ENGLSH 4188). See WGST 4180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required
WGST 4188W: Major Women Writers, 1789-1890 - Writing Intensive
(same as ENGLSH 4188). See WGST 4180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4189: Major Women Writers, 1890-Present
(same as ENGLSH 4189). See WGST 4180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4230: Women, Development, and Globalization
(same as SOCIOL 4230, BL_STU 4230 and PEA_ST 4230; cross-leveled with SOCIOL 7230, BL_STU 7230, WGST 7230). Examines the history and structure of "development" discourse and practices. Stresses the interconnections and impact on women globally. Reviews women's strategies in defining and instituting programs to improve quality of life in communities.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4310: Adoption, Child Welfare and the Family, 1850-Present
(same as HIST 4310; cross-leveled with WGST 7310, HIST 7310). This interdisciplinary U.S. history course will address topics such as: changing legal and social meaning of adoption since 1850; historical connections between adoption and poverty, family, gender race, sexuality, class, fertility, identity; and more recent issues such as transnational adoption.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4350: Gender and the Environment
(cross-leveled with WGST 7350). Explores how gendered social relations affect the relationship between human beings, non-human nature, and the environment. Also examines how historically, the human relationship with nature has been governed by a dualism of culture and nature that enables both an ideology of technical control and the objectification of the environment and people. Draws from ecological feminism, the environmental justice movement, feminist science studies, materialist feminism, and feminist dystopian fiction.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4370: Anthropology of Gender
(same as ANTHRO 4370; cross-leveled with ANTHRO 7370, WGST 7370). The Anthropology of Gender introduces the student to the variation in the relationships between male and females; and between men, women, and other genders from around the world. The different approaches to understanding and modeling gender are discussed, as are specific case-studies from many different cultures.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4400: Contemporary Issues in Domestic Violence
(same as SOC_WK 4400; cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7400, WGST 7400). Covers history of the domestic violence movement, intimate partner violence theories and data, legislative and organizational policy issues, and intervention models for practice with individuals who have experienced domestic violence including co-occurring issues such as trauma. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing required
WGST 4420: Gender, Culture, and Politics
(same as P_HLTH 4420). Examines ethical issues, social policies and politics, and cultural practices affecting women in specific national and global contexts. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4480: Major African Diaspora Women Writers
(same as BL_STU 4480 and ENGLSH 4480). Study of selected Africana Diaspora women writers, focusing on texts originally in English. Repeatable with department's consent. Maximum of 6 hours for WGST 4180 and WGST 4480.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4488: Major African Diaspora Women Writers, 1789 to 1890
(same as BL_STU 4488, ENGLSH 4488). See WGST 4480 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4489: Major African Diaspora Women Writers, 1890 to Present
(same as BL_STU 4489, ENGLSH 4489; cross-leveled with ENGLSH 7489, BL_STU 7489, WGST 7489). See WGST 4480 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4489W: Major African Diaspora Women Writers, 1890 to Present - Writing Intensive
(same as BL_STU 4489W, ENGLSH 4489W; cross-leveled with ENGLSH 7489, BL_STU 7489, WGST 7489). See WGST 4480 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4550: Gender and Human Rights in Cross Cultural Perspective
(same as SOCIOL 4550 and PEA_ST 4550; cross-leveled with WGST 7550, SOCIOL 7550, PEA_ST 7550). This course focuses on the global discourse on human rights and gender, emphasizing cross-cultural theories. Course includes the meaning of rights, Western and nonwestern perspectives, feminist contributions, important substantive debates, violations, policymaking and activism.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4600: Women and Health
A survey of international and domestic women's health issues; considers historical antecedents and specific effects of socio-cultural variables and economic development on women's health in developing and developed nations. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4610: Race, Gender, and Health: An Intersectional Examination of Health Inequalities
(same as P_HLTH 4610). This course brings public health into conversation with issues of race/ ethnicity, gender, and black feminism. As both public health and women and gender studies are interdisciplinary fields, we will draw on a range of literature including health policy and promotion, epidemiology, education, feminist science studies, medical sociology, and medical anthropology. We will challenge categories of race, gender, and health. In particular, class discussions will focus on (1) reviewing formative health and sociologic theories and concepts related to health and illness (2) gaining a more in-depth and critical understating of the health status and health outcomes of persons as they intersect across race/ethnicity, gender, and sexuality (3) discussing possible explanations and solutions for these health disparities from a behavioral science perspective. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4610H: Race, Gender, and Health: An Intersectional Examination of Health Inequalities - Honors
(same as P_HLTH 4610). This course brings public health into conversation with issues of race/ ethnicity, gender, and black feminism. As both public health and women and gender studies are interdisciplinary fields, we will draw on a range of literature including health policy and promotion, epidemiology, education, feminist science studies, medical sociology, and medical anthropology. We will challenge categories of race, gender, and health. In particular, class discussions will focus on (1) reviewing formative health and sociologic theories and concepts related to health and illness (2) gaining a more in-depth and critical understating of the health status and health outcomes of persons as they intersect across race/ethnicity, gender, and sexuality (3) discussing possible explanations and solutions for these health disparities from a behavioral science perspective. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required
WGST 4640: Gender and Performance
Examines the relationship among gender, race, class, and/or sexuality, and performance. Course materials may include theatre performance, visual art, literacy context, theoretical essays, films, and popular culture. May be repeated for credit (up to 6 credits) with different semester themes.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4660: Gender, War, and Migration: Europe, 1914 to the Present
(same as HIST 4660; cross-leveled with HIST 7660, WGST 7660). Scholars have long recognized the fundamental ways that war and migration marked the lives of European women and men in the 20th century, and yet, rarely have they focused on the interrelations between mobilities, violence and gender. This class explores how war and mass migrations inscribed new gendered, racial and class hierarchies into the European landscape, and created new kinds of political and social divides. The total wars of World War I and World War II, requiring the participation of civilians and soldiers, erasing lines separating the home front from the battlefield, forcing millions to flee their homes, and drawing men and women from the colonies into the war effort reshaped notions of gender, work, family, nation and citizenship within Europe. The subsequent wars of decolonization and post war migrations, followed by the conflicts that erupted at the end of the Cold War challenged the postwar gender ideals underpinning the European welfare state and the European Union, and fueled the rise of contemporary xenophobic and racist populist movements. Course materials will include historical monographs, articles, memoirs and films.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4716: Women and the Media
(same as JOURN 4716; cross-leveled with WGST 7716, JOURN 7716). Focus on portrayal of women in American mass media. Other goals: historical perspective on women as journalists; exposure to issues usually not covered by mass media; research and writing skills. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4730: Women and Politics
(same as POL_SC 4730). This course examines women's political participation and public policies towards women in countries around the world.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4750: Women, Religion and Culture
(same as REL_ST 4750; cross-leveled with REL_ST 7750, WGST 7750). An advanced study of the role of women in religion, focusing on the methods of determining the significance of gender in religious life, sacred texts, symbols, rituals and/or beliefs. Traditions studied include Christianity, Islam, contemporary pagan communities, and Native American traditions.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4780: Women's Folklore and Feminist Theory
(same as ENGLSH 4780; cross-leveled with ENGLSH 7780, WGST 7780). Examines folklore and artistic expression of women in relations to feminist theory and in multicultural contexts. Includes verbal genres (narrative/song) as well as material genres (quilting/arts).
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: junior standing
WGST 4873: Women's and Gender Studies Abroad - Behavioral Science
This interdisciplinary study abroad course provides students the opportunity to study women's issues in the globe, to study in a foreign culture and augment their global competencies across the Women's and Gender Studies curriculum and extend a global perspective to their study and/or career development.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4874: Women's and Gender Studies Abroad - Social Science
This interdisciplinary study abroad course provides students the opportunity to study women's issues in the globe, to study in a foreign culture and augment their global competencies across the Women's and Gender Studies curriculum and extend a global perspective to their study and/or career development.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4875: Women's and Gender Studies Abroad - Humanities
This interdisciplinary study abroad course provides students the opportunity to study women's issues in the globe, to study in a foreign culture and augment their global competencies across the Women's and Gender Studies curriculum and extend a global perspective to their study and/or career development.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4940: Internship in Women's and Gender Studies
Directed professional experience in WGST approved agency or organization. This course can be taken in place of WGST 4990 to meet BA degree requirements. Graded on S/U basis only. Course may be repeated pending departmental approval. Graded on S/U basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 4965: Special Readings in Women's and Gender Studies
Independent readings in women's and gender studies for highly qualified and motivated students. Topic selected in consultation with supervisory faculty member.
Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent
WGST 4990: Research Seminar in Women's and Gender Studies
Advanced seminar in Women's and Gender Studies. Topics and form of the class varies according to instructor, but all courses are designed to deepen a student's understanding of the discipline's theories and methods. Can be substituted for WGST 4940.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: Previous WGST courses are strongly recommended
WGST 4990W: Research Seminar in Women's and Gender Studies - Writing Intensive
Advanced seminar in Women's and Gender Studies. Topics and form of the class varies according to instructor, but all courses are designed to deepen a student's understanding of the discipline's theories and methods. Can be substituted for WGST 4940.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: Previous WGST courses are strongly recommended
WGST 7001: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-General
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable for credit (up to 6 credits).
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7003: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Behavioral Studies
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable for credit (up to 6 credits).
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7020: Studies in Feminist Thought
(same as BL_STU 7020; cross-leveled with WGST 4020, BL_STU 4020). Examines recent problems and critical debates within feminist theory.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7110: Feminist Research and Criticism
(same as SOCIOL 7110; cross-leveled with WGST 4110, SOCIOL 4110). Examination of both feminist critique of traditional social research and recent, feminist-oriented research that attempts to answer these criticisms.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7120: Gender and the Arts
(same as VS_ARH 7120; cross-leveled with WGST 4120, VS_ARH 4120). Exploration of the relationship between the visual arts and constructions of gender and sexuality in selected eras.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent
WGST 7180: Major Women Writers
(same as ENGLSH 7180). Study of a limited number (1-3) of significant writers to be read intensively using contemporary feminist critical theory. Repeatable with department's consent maximum of six hours for WGST 7180 and WGST 7480.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: two courses in British or American Literature
WGST 7186: Major Women Writers, Beginning to 1603
(same as ENGLSH 7186). See WGST 7180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7188: Major Women Writers, 1789-1890
(same as ENGLSH 7188). See WGST 7180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7189: Major Women Writers, 1890-Present
(same as ENGLSH 7189). See WGST 7180 for course description.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7230: Women, Development, and Globalization
(same as SOCIOL 7230, BL_STU 7230; cross-leveled with WGST 4230, BL_STU 4230, SOCIOL 4230, PEA_ST 4230). Examines the history and structure of "development" discourse and practices. Stresses the interconnections and impact on women globally. Reviews women's strategies in defining and instituting programs to improve quality of life in communities.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7370: Anthropology of Gender
(same as ANTHRO 7370; cross-leveled with WGST 4370, ANTHRO 4370). The Anthropology of Gender Introduces the student to the variation in the relationships between males and females; and between men, women, and other genders from around the world. The different approaches to understanding and modeling gender are discussed, as are specific case-studies from many different cultures.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7400: Contemporary Issues in Domestic Violence
(same as SOC_WK 7400; cross-leveled with WGST 4400, SOC_WK 4400). Covers history of the domestic violence movement, intimate partner violence theories and data, legislative and organizational policy issues, and intervention models for practice with individuals who have experienced domestic violence including co-occurring issues such as trauma. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7420: Studies in Gender, Culture, and Politics
(cross-leveled with WGST 4420, P_HLTH 4420). Examines ethical issues, social policies and politics, and cultural practices affecting women in specific national and global contexts.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7480: Major African Diaspora Women Writers
(same as BL_STU 7480 and ENGLSH 7480). Study of selected African Diaspora women writers, focusing on texts originally in English. Repeatable with department's consent. Maximum of 6 hours for WGST 7180 and WGST 7480.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7550: Gender and Human Rights in Cross Cultural Perspective
(same as SOCIOL 7550 and PEA_ST 7550; cross-leveled with WGST 4550, SOCIOL 4550, PEA_ST 4550). Focuses on the global discourse on human rights and gender, emphasizing cross-cultural theories. Course includes the meaning of human rights, western and nonwestern perspectives, feminist contributions, important substantive debates, violations, policymaking and activism.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7660: Gender, War, and Migration: Europe, 1914 to the Present
(same as HIST 7660; cross-leveled with WGST 4660, HIST 4660). Scholars have long recognized the fundamental ways that war and migration marked the lives of European women and men in the 20th century, and yet, rarely have they focused on the interrelations between mobilities, violence and gender. This class explores how war and mass migrations inscribed new gendered, racial and class hierarchies into the European landscape, and created new kinds of political and social divides. The total wars of World War I and World War II, requiring the participation of civilians and soldiers, erasing lines separating the home front from the battlefield, forcing millions to flee their homes, and drawing men and women from the colonies into the war effort reshaped notions of gender, work, family, nation and citizenship within Europe. The subsequent wars of decolonization and post war migrations, followed by the conflicts that erupted at the end of the Cold War challenged the postwar gender ideals underpinning the European welfare state and the European Union, and fueled the rise of contemporary xenophobic and racist populist movements. Course materials will include historical monographs, articles, memoirs and films.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7716: Women and the Media
(same as JOURN 7716; cross-leveled with WGST 4716, JOURN 4716). Focus on portrayal of women in American mass media. Other goals: historical perspective on women as journalists; exposure to issues usually not covered by mass media; research and writing skills. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent
WGST 7750: Women, Religion and Culture
(same as REL_ST 7750; cross-leveled with WGST 4750, REL_ST 4750). An advanced study of the role of women in religion, focusing on the methods of determining the significance of gender in religious life, sacred texts, symbols, rituals and/or beliefs. Traditions studied include Christianity, Islam, contemporary pagan communities, and Native American traditions.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7780: Women's Folklore and Feminist Theory
(same as ENGLSH 7780; cross-leveled with ENGLSH 4780, WGST 4780). Examines folklore and artistic expression of women in relations to feminist theory and in multicultural contexts. Includes verbal genres (narrative/song) as well as material genres (quilting/arts).
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 7875: Women's and Gender Studies Abroad - Humanities
This interdisciplinary study abroad course provides students the opportunity to study women's issues in the globe, to study in a foreign culture and augment their global competencies across the Women's and Gender Studies curriculum and extend a global perspective to their study and/or career development.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 8004: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Social Science
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable for credit (up to 6 credits).
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 8005: Topics in Women's and Gender Studies-Humanities
Problems, topics, issues or review of research in any area of women's and gender studies and/or experimental development of new content areas. Repeatable (up to 6 credits).
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 8020: Graduate Feminist Theory
This course will explore the texts and contexts of feminist theories including women of color socialist/Marxist feminism, queer theory, postmodern feminism, and feminist postcolonial theory.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 8040: Seminar: Problems and Issues in Feminist Scholarship
This course is a broad based exploration of a range of current feminist scholarship, both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary. Issues of identity and difference, community and change are explored through the complicating lenses of race and sexuality.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 8060: New Directions in Feminist Theory
Offers an in-depth exploration of a recent direction in feminist theory. Students will learn a specific feminist approach to scholarship. Theory explored will change based on the semester and professor teaching the course.
Credit Hours: 3
WGST 8965: Problems in Women's and Gender Studies
Directed individual study on selected topics for qualified graduate students. Plan of study subject to approval by supervising faculty.
Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: Instructor consent
WGST 9440: Race, Gender, Ethnicity in Higher Education
(same as ED_LPA 9440). Historical relationships of race, gender, and ethnic issues in United States higher education. Issues include: theory and research of curriculum and teaching, diversity within the academy, and leadership, governance, and policy.
Credit Hours: 3