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Fall 2020

Letters in parenthesis indicate how the class fills a distribution requirement in the WST General Concentration (SS=Social Science, HUM=Humanities, G&S=Gender & Science) and/or whether it counts for the TPS or IPG track in the major.  If a course fills a GenEd requirement, that is specified separately. Click on the hyperlinks below for a course syllabus.

Majors may count any one approved 2000-level class towards the WMS major. Only WST2322, 2611, 2612, and selected sections of IDS 2935 count towards the WMS minor; only WST2611 or 2612 count towards the TPS minor.

Introduction to Health Disparities

Laura K. Guyer
WST 2322 – Sec 01H8
MWF 2; 3 Credits

This introductory course examines the multifaceted issue of health disparities through the lens of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, and special populations. It also addresses the concepts of medically underserved areas/populations, health literacy, cultural competence, readability & linguistic appropriateness and social determinants of health as they relate to health equity.(WST: SS, G&S; GenEd: S, D; HDS Minor: Core.)

The syllabus for this course can be found here.

Humanities Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality

Devan Johnson
WST 2611 – Section 2611
MWF 4;  3 Credits

This course uses close readings of cultural representations (in literature, the visual arts, movies, television, the internet, etc…) to understand intersecting categories of identity such as gender, sexuality, class, and race. We will examine how such categories operate in everything from novels to YouTube to the evening news. (WST: HUM; TPS; Gen Ed: H, D; Gordon Rule 2000)

The syllabus can be found here.

Social Science Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality

Constance Shehan
WST 2612 – Section 2612
M 4-5, W 5; 3 Credits

This course considers the social construction of gender, sexuality, race, class, and other identity categories. Readings focus on families and cultural groups mainly in the U.S. but with attention to other nations. Subjects as intimate as the body and violence and as pervasive as politics and the law are included. We emphasize differences in daily life experiences of health care, education, sports, and religion. Finally, we examine the potential of movements for social change. (WST: SS; TPS; Gen Ed: SS, D, Gordon Rule 2000)

The syllabus can be found here.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Women’s Studies

Elizabeth Garcia
WST 3015 – Section 17EC, 315H
W 4-5, F 4; 3 Credits

This section is primarily for honors students. If you’re not in the honors program, but would like a seat, please email Dr. Zucker with your request: azucker@ufl.edu.

Jillian Hernandez
WST 3015 – Section 315R
T, 4-5, R 4; 3 Credits

This section is available for all students.

Drawing on materials and methodologies from a variety of disciplines, this class explores the diverse experiences of women, both in past eras and in the present, in the U.S. and abroad. Required for the Women’s Studies major and minor; fulfills the General Education requirement in diversity. (WST: Core; Gen Ed:  H, SS, D and Gordon Rule 4000)

The syllabus can be found here.

Women in American Film

Carolyn Kelly
WST3335– Section 35CK- Class # 26718
MWF 4; 3 Credits

This course examines the ways Hollywood cinema represents women by focusing on close readings of filmic texts (both discursive and formal elements) and blending these close readings with feminist theory/ feminist film theory in relation to the feminism versus post-feminism debate, “the chick flick,” the gaze, and the new Hollywood “Fempire.” We will also discuss types of women characters found in Hollywood films, such as “the working girl,” “the good wife/mother,” and” femme fatale.” Throughout the course, we will study how race, gender, sexual orientation, social class, and historical context intersect with Hollywood cinema. Films will include Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979), The Blue Gardenia (Fritz Lang, 1953), Body Heat (Lawrence Kasdan 1981), Bridesmaids (Paul Feig, 2011), The Children’s Hour (William Wyler 1961), Go Fish (Rose Troche 1994), Legally Blonde (Robert Luketic, 2001), Real Women Have Curves (Patricia Cardoso 2002), and Working Girl (Mike Nichols, 1988). Students who have not taken a prior film class will need to review an introductory film style guide/textbook before or during the semester. (WST: HUM, Gen Ed, GR 2000)

The syllabus can be found here.

Women, Leadership, and Diversity in a Global Environment

Anita Anantharam
WST3371– Section 1ROL, 2UFO
online;  3 Credits

This course examines key leadership concepts in general, and women in particular. The course is not set up to teach you how to be a leader (or be a better leader), per se, but it will operate with the assumption that if you know how successful women and men have navigated power and authority, applied knowledge and core competencies, and balanced life and work, you will be better able to direct your own academic endeavors and professional development. We will explore leadership theory in general, examine the extent to which leadership, as it is currently researched/theorized is framed for American audiences, and consider whether or not these metrics are useful for understanding leadership in diverse populations and across national borders. (WST: SS; IPG)

The syllabus can be found here.

Transnational Feminism

Anita Anantharam
WST3415– Section 3415
T 3; R 3-4;  3 Credits

This course places women and feminism in a transnational perspective, focusing on various theories and movements engendered by women in contemporary national contexts. Development, reproductive politics, women’s health, etc. will be examined. (WST: Core; Gen Ed: S, N)

The syllabus can be found here.

Women’s Health and Well-being

Laura Guyer
WST3930– Section 39LG
MWF 5; 3 Credits

This course draws on a range of social science, pre-professional/professional and public health disciplines to examine the health and well-being of women. The Holistic Model of Health will be used to explore the physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of women’s health. Health issues across the lifespan will be examined: health disparities, clinical trials, sexual identity, women of color, chronic disease, mental health, tobacco use, substance abuse, domestic violence and caregiving. (WST: SS; G&S)

The syllabus can be found here.

Women & Media: International Perspectives

Manoucheka Celeste
WST3930– Section 39MC
T 9-10, R 10;  3 Credits

This course will examine and articulate how images, specifically media images, of gender and women are shaped by their contexts. Students will also examine how articulations and interpretations of such images vary throughout the world and across time. Students will analyze media images from different angles and perspectives by reading scholars from multiple countries and using media texts from multiple countries. In so doing students will gain a better understanding of how various societies position women and gender more broadly and how this impacts all of our everyday lives. (WST: HUM or SS; IPG)

The syllabus can be found here.

Independent Study

Alyssa Zucker
WST 4905 -Section 49IS, Variable Credits 1-3; Can be repeated up to 6 credits

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and program chair
For advanced undergraduate students who desire to supplement the regular courses by independent reading or research. Online Application (PDF) .

Undergraduate Research in Women’s Studies

Alyssa Zucker
WST4911-Section 49UR-Variable Credits

Prerequisite: Permission of Undergraduate Coordinator/Program Chair
For advanced undergraduate students who desire to supplement the regular courses by independent reading or research. Click here for an application form.

Latina Feminist Thought & Practice

Elizabeth Garcia
WST4930– Section 49EG
R 6-8;  3 Credits

Feminist movement(s) and identities have historically been attributed to white women in the United States. Intersectional feminism has made interventions into the mainstream image of feminism problematizing and expanding the definitions and identities of feminist activism and activists. This course aims to situate Latina women within feminism by looking at their histories, discourses, and practices through a feminist lens. Through interdisciplinary readings we will explore how Latinas theorize about feminism through their lived experiences; have practiced feminist activism and advocated for feminist issues; and articulate Latina feminist identities. (WST: HUM)

The syllabus can be found here.

Capstone Seminar

Alexandria Wilson McDonald                                                                                WST4935– Section4935
W 7-9;  3 Credits

This course (required for all majors) is the culmination of the Women’s Studies major. It explores some examples of past and present scholarship to reaffirm the interdisciplinary nature of the field and to highlight the relationships among feminist theory, intellectual practice, and social change. The bulk of the semester is devoted to a full-length independent project on a topic of student’s own choosing. (WST: Core for all tracks in major; pre-req: WST 3015)

The syllabus can be found here.

Internship

Alyssa Zucker
WST 4940 – 4INT
Variable Credits 1-3; Can be repeated up to 6 credits

Prerequisite: Permission of undergraduate coordinator.  Designed for students desiring practical experience in the community. Students intern with a local agency, group or business involved in women’s issues. Click here for more information and an on-line application.

Practicum in Health Disparities

Laura K. Guyer
WST 4941C – HDSP
MWF 1; 3 Credits

WST 4941C is a capstone experience for seniors who have taken WST2322,, Introduction to Health Disparities in Society. Students are matched with preceptors from community agencies working with under-served and disadvantaged populations. Students will learn about the agency and its organizational culture while applying concepts of cultural competence, linguistic appropriateness and health disparities. To register, contact Dr. Laura Guyer. (HDS Minor: Core; Pre-req: WST 2322).

The syllabus can be found here.

Women’s/Gender Honors Thesis

Alyssa Zucker
WST 4970- 49HT; 3 Credits

Students register for this course when pursuing an Honors Thesis in the WST major.  In accordance with the protocols established by WST and the Honors Program, students design and pursue an independent research project with guidance from an advisor. Guidelines for the Honors Thesis are available here and the Application for the Honors Thesis is here (PDF).