Course Descriptions
WS 301 Introduction to Women's Studies
This course examines a variety of feminist and multicultural perspectives about the categories of "woman" and "gender" and of issues concerning women and/or the role of gender in contemporary cultures and societies around the globe. In particular, we will examine the history and theory of feminism and patriarchy, women and politics, women and work, bodies and sexuality, women's health, crime, and the different status of women in cultures around the world.
WS 410/510 Women in American Society
Women in American Society explores women's political, social, and economic involvement in America from colonial times to the present, concentrating particularly on women's roles in various reform movements that shaped the course of American culture and history.
WS 428/528 Family Law
Family Law seeks to provide students with a basic foundation of knowledge regarding the legal implications of family and interpersonal relationships. This course includes a study of common law and statutory concepts of family relationships, including, but not limited to: family privacy, procreation, marriage, premarital agreements, divorce and annulment, property division, child custody, education, and domestic violence.
WS490 Directed Research For information, contact Jeanne Gillespie
WS 601 Theory and Methods For information, contact Jeanne Gillespie
WS 692 Special Problems For information, contact Jeanne Gillespie
WS 402/502 (ENG 478/578): American Women Writers
The course will highlight the diversity of voices that comprise "American Women Writers," including (but not limited to) Filipina Americans, Chicanas, Indigenous Nations Women, White Women, Japanese Americans, Chinese Americans, and African Americans.
WS 463 (DAN 463): Dance History II
The history of the development of twentieth century dance forms and the artistic and societal frameworks in which they evolved. Open to non-majors with consent of instructor.
HPR 403: Coaching the Female Athlete
An analysis and evaluation of the strategies, theories, and research methods that dominate the scientific study of women in sport and practical applications.
SCM 475/609: Gender Issues in Speech Communication
Examination of gender issues as applied to interpersonal, professional, organizational, persuasive, and political communication.
WS 428/528 (CJ 464/564): Family Violence
To provide students with an understanding of the unique dynamics of family violence and the relevant available legal resources. This course includes a review of the legal, medical, social, and policy implications of family violence. Topics include, but are not limited to the following: spousal abuse; child abuse and neglect; elder abuse and neglect; stalking and victim’s rights.
WS 420 (PS 405): Women and Politics
This course is a feminist examination of the role of sex/gender in politics, government and public policy. The course includes a look at the feminist movement in the United States with an examination of the development of feminist theory during the Second Wave. The course also explores questions dealing with women's interests and representation, citizenship, women and the law, women and work, and women's relationship to crime and violence.
WS 450/550: Special Topics in Women’s Studies
This special topics seminar will explore a variety of Latina voices, analyzing their influences in the global community through the many contexts in which Latinas express themselves, including music, literature, drama, film, and visual arts. The class will be taught in English and will also involve a service-learning component to better appreciate the many talented Latina members of our own communities.
WS490 Directed Research For information, contact Jeanne Gillespie
WS 601 Theory and Methods For information, contact Jeanne Gillespie
WS 692 Special Problems For information, contact Jeanne Gillespie
