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 Theories and Politics of Sexuality (TPS ) or International Perspectives on Gender (IPG) track in the major. If a course fills a Gen Ed 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. Minors may count one course as well. Only WST 2322, 2611, 2612, and selected sections of IDS 2935 count towards the WMS minor; only WST 2611 or 2612, and selected sections of IDS 2935 count towards the TPS minor.
Introduction to Health Disparities
Laura K. Guyer
WST 2322 – Sec 2322 – Class # 19967
MWF 2; Lit 0113; 3 Credits
WST 2322 Online– Sec 3ROL – Class # 21740
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
Carolyn Kelley
WST 2611 – Section 2611 – Class # 19968
MWF 4; Pugh 170; 3 Credits
WST 2611 Online– Section 21OL – Class # 26128
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 – Class # 19969
M 3-4, W 4; FLG 270, LIT 121; 3 Credits
WST 2612 Online – Section 22OL – Class # 26130
M 3-4, W 4; 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
Alexandria Wilson
WST 3015 Online– Section 15OL – Class #26135
T 4-5, R 5; 3 Credits
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.
Ecofeminism
Anita Anantharam
WST3349 Online– Section 3349 – Class # 21885
T 7, R 7-8; 3 Credits
WST3349 Online– Section EFOL – Class # 26258
T 7, R 7-8; 3 Credits
Ecofeminism focuses on Western tradition’s naturalization of women and feminization of nature, drawing the conclusion that the domination of women and the domination of nature are intimately connected and mutually reinforcing. This hypothesized connection of women and nature oppressions gives rise to a common formative structure of “othering” shared by women, animals, nature, people of color and ethnically colonized groups. The course surveys ecofeminist theories, exploring the links between ecological values, principles, activism, and feminisms. Spiritual, philosophical, and activist perspectives are examined through interdisciplinary lens. Teamwork, field trips, and a joint class project are important components of the course. (SS, G&S, Gordon Rule 2)
The syllabus can be found here.
Transnational Feminism
Anita Anantharam
WST3415 Online – Section 3415 – Class # 19499
T 3; R 3-4; 3 Credits
WST3415 Online– Section 15OL – Class # 26221
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.
Sexualities Studies
Kendal Broad-Wright
WST3603– Section 3603 – Class # 19500
T 6-7; R 6; CSE E119, CSE E121; 3 Credits
WST3603 Online– Section 03OL – Class # 26267
T 6-7; R 6; 3 Credits
Sexualities Studies is the interdisciplinary study of sexualities covering diverse theories of sexualities and desire, and how these theories are socially constructed and regulated. Central to the class will be the connections between sexualities and other social locators such as race, ethnicity, gender, social class, age and ability or disability. (WST: SS; TPS: Core; GenEd: SS)
The syllabus can be found here.
Sexual Ethics
Maddy Coy
WST3930– Section 39SE – Class # 19501
MWF 3; ROL 205; 3 Credits
WST3930 Online– Section 3SE9 – Class # 26287
MWF 3; 3 Credits
What are the ethical dimensions and dilemmas of navigating sexual encounters and relationships? How can sexual freedom be realized in the context of gendered disparities? Drawing on feminist theory, an intersectional analysis and empirical research, this course will explore contemporary sexual ethics through three key themes: resisting rape culture; sexual consent, mutuality and pleasure; and sexuality as a commodity. (WST: SS/HUM, TPS).
The syllabus can be found here.
Feminist Futures/Professional Development
Alyssa Zucker
WST3930 Online– Class Departmentally Controlled
To Arrange; 1 Credit
“What can you do with a BA in Women’s Studies?” Plenty! With a women’s studies education, you gain a deep understanding of gender, race, sexuality, and other systems of power, how they operate, and how to transform them to promote liberation, justice, and feminist futures! This brand new one-credit online class will help students connect their undergraduate degree to meaningful postgraduate employment and/or advanced study. Students will also develop elevator pitches, cover letters, and résumés, and will have the opportunity for peer and instructor feedback on these portfolio items. (WST: can count toward the credits needed for Internship/G&S or other elective work). Email Dr. Zucker to enroll.
The syllabus can be found here.
Violence Against Women
Maddy Coy
WST3930– Section 3VAW – Class # 24657
MWF, 5; MAEB 211; 3 Credits
WST3930 Online– Section 3VW9 – Class # 26283
MWF, 5; 3 Credits
This course will examine the international evidence base on violence against women and responses to it, including prevention initiatives. We will explore myths and stereotypes, conceptual frameworks, the extent, prevalence and impact of different forms of violence against women, law and public policy responses, and how the media report and frame violence. How violence against women is experienced and perpetrated in specific social and geographical contexts will be a key theme, alongside globalized practices of violence and human rights approaches. (WST: HUM/SS; IPG)
The syllabus can be found here (PDF).
Women’s Health and Well-being
Laura Guyer
WST3930– Section 39LG – Class # 24658
MWF 5; ROL 205; 3 Credits
WST3930 Online– Section 3LG9 – Class # 26289
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.
Love and Romance in Pre-Modern Jewish Culture
Caroline Gruenbaum
WST3930– Section 39JS – Class # 29308
T 10-E1; CBD 224; 3 Credits
WST3930 Online– Section 39JS – Class # 29335
T 10-E1; 3 Credits
This course explores the fascinating body of love stories and romance in medieval Jewish culture, written mostly between the tenth and fourteenth centuries across the Mediterranean basin and Christian Europe in a variety of languages. This corpus includes poetry, narratives, folktales, philosophical texts and chivalric romance. From magical herbs to men dressed in women’s clothing, these entertaining stories challenge our perceptions of medieval Jewish culture as a place only of religious observance and rabbinic stringency. (WST: HUM; TPS)
The syllabus can be found here.
Discrimination and Health
Alyssa Zucker
WST4704– Section 4704 – Class 31489
MWF 6; Room TUR 2322; 3 Credits
WST4704 Online– Section4705 – Class 31490
MWF6; 3 Credits
In this class we will study discrimination and health from a variety of disciplinary perspectives (e.g., psychology, women’s studies, public health). The course is organized into three broad sections. The first explores mechanisms by which discrimination “gets under the skin” to affect health behaviors and health outcomes. The second focuses on discrimination within healthcare settings. The third emphasizes routes to eliminating discrimination and improving health at individual, group, and legislative levels. Within each of these sections we will focus on a variety of types of discrimination, including those based on race, sex, social class, and sexual orientation/gender identity. Because these categories do not influence people in isolation, we will examine the intersection of identities whenever possible in our analysis. We will read original research reports (not a textbook) and all students will be required to participate actively in class discussions. (WST: SS; G&S )
The syllabus can be found here.
Independent Study
Alyssa Zucker
WST 4905 -Section Departmentally Controlled; Variable Credits 1-3; Can be repeated up to 6 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and undergraduate coordinator
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 Departmentally Controlled
Prerequisite: Permission of Undergraduate Coordinator
For advanced undergraduate students who desire to supplement the regular courses by independent reading or research. Click here for an application form.
Latina Children’s Literature
Elizabeth Garcia
WST4930– Section49EG
R 6-8; Ustler 108; 3 Credits
WST4930 Online– Section4EG9
R 6-8; 3 Credits
In recent years there has been an increase in the number of Latinx children’s and young adult literature written by Latinx women. Many of these books have received numerous awards and national acclaim. In this course, we explore this trend by taking an in-depth look at selections from this literature. We’ll begin with one of the earliest women writers of Latinx children’s books, Pura Belpré, whose legacy is recognized through the Pura Belpré award. We’ll explore the picture books of Chicana feminist theorist, Gloria Anzaldúa, analyzing why such a prominent feminist theorist would turn to children’s literature. Finally, we’ll explore a series of middle-grade and young adult novels analyzing their portrayal of intersectional identities in the everyday lives of Latinx girls and young women. (WST: HUM; IPG)
The syllabus can be found here.
Gender and Language
Diana Boxer
WST4930– Section49EG
T 4, R 4-5; Leigh 142; 3 Credits
This course offers the student a perspective on gender and sexism in discourse. It is an opportunity to study how language is used by women and men and about women and men in the various domains of interaction (e.g. social, family, workplace) to create and sustain status and power in society. It offers the chance to study how sex and sexism function in language and their repercussions for all areas of life. (WST: SS)
The syllabus can be found here.
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Elizabeth Mahar
WST4930– Section49EM – Class # 30037
T 8-10; Location TBA; 3 Credits
WST4930 Online– Section4EM9 – Class # 30039
T 8-10; 3 Credits
This class will cover the topic of human sexuality from a psychological perspective, with an applied psychological perspective emphasized. While some cross-cultural information will be included, the main focus will be sexuality in the U.S. We will examine current research on sexuality. A wide range of topics will be covered including but not limited to: (1) sexual desire and sexual responses, (2) sexual practices, (3) sexual issues & problems, (4) sexual violence,and (5) sex therapy. There will be a focus on understanding common misconceptions regarding sexuality and current controversies in the field. (WST: SS; G&S)
The syllabus can be found here.
Capstone Seminar
Alexandria Wilson McDonald WST4935– Section4900
M 7-9; ROL 115; 3 Credits
WST4935 Online– Section4CAP
M 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 – Department Controlled
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 – Section Departmentally Controlled
MWF 1; BAR 211; 3 Credits
WST 4941C Online– Section Departmentally Controlled
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- Section Departmentally Controlled – Variable Credits
Maddy Coy
WST 4970- Section Departmentally Controlled – Variable 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).