Women's Studies Course Descriptions
The following is a list of Women's Studies permanent undergraduate courses. Many of them are cross-listed with other programs and departments.
Current Course Offerings - all courses
Additional courses on women, gender and feminism in other departments can be found in the Timetable and on the Women's Studies Research Center website.
Undergraduate Courses
101 The Meanings of Woman in Western Culture. 3 credits (H-E). Major issues and social problems related to women; interdisciplinary examination of the images of women across historical periods; analysis of social institutions and movements for social change as they affect women. P: Open to Fr.
102 Women, Social Institutions, and Social Change. 3 credits (S-E). Major issues and social problems related to women through an interdisciplinary analysis of social institutions and movements for social change as they affect women. Focus on twentieth-century trends in such institutions as the family, law, medicine, education, the economy, and politics. P: Open to Fr.
103 Women and Their Bodies in Health and Disease. 3 credits (N-E). Basic facts about the structure and functioning of the female body. Attention to the adjustments that organ systems make during physiological events (stress, exercise, eating, menstruation, sexual/reproductive activity, and aging) and during pathological or disease processes. The effects on the body of environmental and psychological factors. Relationships between women patients, health professionals, and available treatment and diagnostic modalities analyzed. P: Open to Fr.
140 History of the Family in the U S. (Cross listed with History) 4 credits (S-E). An introduction to the history of the family in the United States. The course will focus on gender and generational relations, and on the family's relation to the society, since the 17th century. P: Open to Fr.
200 Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered Studies (Cross listed with Sociology 200) 3 credits Introduction to the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies. Includes LGBT persons and cultures in world and US history, identity development, families and relationships, issues in education, religion, media and the law.
205 Women in Russian Literature in Translation. (Cross listed with Littrans) 3-4 credits (L-D). P: So st or cons inst.
215 Gender and Work in Rural America. (Cross listed with Rur Soc, Soc) 3 credits (S-I). Sociological dimensions of men's and women's work in nonmetropolitan areas of the United States. Examines gender divisions of "work" in its fullest sense: paid work in formal and informal economies, self-employment, and nonmarket work such as housework. P: Open to Fr.
222 Introduction to Black Women Writers. (Cross listed with Afroamer) 3 credits (e-L-E). An introduction to the writings of Afro-American women from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. Fiction, autobiography, non-fiction prose, and poetry will be read and discussed. P: Open to Fr.
223 Race and Ethnicity in the Lives of U.S. Women. 3 credits (e-Z-E). Examination of the intersections of race, ethnicity and gender in the lives of U.S. women from racial and ethnic cultures and communities including Afro-Americans, Native Americans, Pacific and Asian American women, Latinas, Chicanas, and Jewish women. P: Open to Fr.
247 Literature in Translation: Hispanic Women's Writing. (Cross listed with Spanish) 3-4 credits (L-I). Representative writing in a variety of genres by 19th and 20th century Spanish or Spanish American women in relation to feminism and other struggles for liberation. May include film. P: So st or cons inst.
248 Women in Ethnic American Literature. (Cross listed with English) 3 credits (e-L-I). An introduction to American literature by and about women, written by authors from ethnic groups. P: 6 credits of intro lit.
249 Women in Literature 1200-1900: The Growth of the English Tradition. (Cross listed with English) 3 credits (L-I). The growth of a tradition of literature by women in Great Britain and America from the beginnings through the nineteenth century, with attention to some aspects of feminist literary theory. P: 6 credits of intro lit.
250 Women in Literature. (Cross listed with English) 3 credits (L-I). Works by British and American writers, with emphasis on 20th C women writers; close reading of texts and discussion of trends, themes, and special characteristics of the role of women in literature. P: 6 credits of intro lit.
251 Literature in Translation: French Women Writers of Today. (Cross listed with Littrans) 3 credits (b-L-I). P: So st or cons inst.
299 Directed Study. 1-3 credits (I). For highly qualified and motivated students. P: Graded on a lettered basis; requires cons inst. Open to Fr.
310 Special Topics in Women and the Humanities. 1-3 credits (H-I). Investigation of some specific topic in women's studies. Subject differs each semester. P: Women St 101 or 102 & a crse in a related discipline; or cons inst.
317 Gender and Music. (Cross listed with Music) 3 credits (H-I). Examines how cultural notions of gender have affected and influenced music in its genres, institutions and performance practices. P: So st.
320 Special Topics in Women and Society. 1-3 credits (S-I). Investigation of some specific topic in women's studies related to women and society. Subject differs each semester. P: Women St 101 or 102 & a crse in a related discipline; or cons inst.
321 Women's Work, Women's Lives 1800 to the Present. 3 credits (S-I). The social experience and cultural meaning of women's work in the United States. Emphasis on participation in the paid labor force, with some attention to women's changing roles in the family. P: So st.
322 Women and the Life-Cycle: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. 3 credits (S-I). Examines and interprets the life-cycle of women in two or more societies. Division of women's life cycles; women's roles in each stage of the life cycle; beliefs and rituals involved in rites of passage. P: So st or cons inst.
323 Gender, Race and Class: Women in U.S. History. (Cross listed with Afroamer) 3 credits (e-S-D). Historical interplay of racism and sexism in the lives of Black and White women of different class backgrounds in the United States. P: So st.
330 Topics in Gender/Class/Race/Ethnicity (Humanities). 3 credits (e-H-I). Topics in the feminist study of inequality and difference based on class, gender and race/ethnicity, with a humanities emphasis. P: Women St 101 or 102.
331 Topics in Gender/Class/Race/Ethnicity (Social Sciences). 3 credits (e-S-I). Topics in the feminist study of inequality and difference based on class, gender and race/ethnicity, with a social science emphasis. P: Women St 101 or 102.
332 Latinas: Self Identity and Social Change. 3 credits (H) Explores the multiracial and multicultural reality of Latino/a societies by becoming familiar with the history and cultures of Chicana, Cuban-American, and Puerto Rican women. Interdisciplinary readings in law, journalism, public policy, history, and self reflective literature. Prerequisites: none. Sophomore level.
340 Topics in LGBTQ Sexuality. 3 credits (Z) Topics in feminist study of LGBTQ sexualities, considering race, nationality, and time. Prerequisites: Women's Studies 101 or 102 and a course in a related discipline, or 200, or consent of instructor.
350 Daytime Serials: Family and Social Roles. (Cross listed with Fam Com) 3 credits (b-S-I). Analysis of the themes and characters that populate television's daytime serials and investigation of what impact these portrayals have on women's and men's roles in the family and work place. The course compares and contrasts prime-time programs with daytime serials for these themes. P: So st.
351 Gender and Sexuality in the Classical World. (Cross listed with Classics) 3-4 credits (L-I). Constructions of gender and sexuality in the classical world through art, literature and archaeology. P: So st or cons inst.
353 Women and Gender in the U.S. to 1870. (Cross listed with History) 3-4 credits (S-A). An advanced and comparative study of the roles of gender, class, and race in American history and historiography. Themes include women as agents of social change and as builders of community. P: So st; completion of intro history & women's studies crse preferred.
354 Women and Gender in the U.S. Since 1870. (Cross listed with History) 3-4 credits (S-A). See 520. P: So st; completion of intro history & women's studies course preferred.
355 Representations of Women in 20th C. Jewish Literature. (Cross listed with Hebr St, Jewish) 3 credits (e-L-I). Jewish women's writings and portrayals of Jewish women in literature, in light of central events in modern Jewish history, with emphasis on the double marginality of women in an ethnic minority.
392 Women in History. (Cross listed with History) 3-4 credits (S-I). An examination of the cultural, social, economic, and political activities of women. Geographical or chronological emphasis varies with instructor. P: So st.
408 Women and Leisure. (Cross listed with CAVE) 3 credits (S-I). Implication of the relationship between women and leisure from a lifestyle perspective; analysis of the changing role of women; changing concepts of leisure from a feminist perspective. P: Cons inst.
410 Women in the Arts. 3 credits (H-I). An interdisciplinary exploration of women as artists: Analysis of individual works of art in a variety of genres and media, placed in their historical and cultural contexts. P: Women St 101 or 102 plus one semester of intro work in any Lit dept (incl lit in tran), comm arts, or art hist; or cons inst.
411 Minority Women in the Arts. 3 credits (e-H-A). An interdisciplinary exploration of art produced by women who belong to one or more minorities by virtue of their race, religion, ethnic heritage, sexual preference, age, or class. P: Women St 101 or 102 and a critical or theoretical course in a related discipline; or Women St 410; or cons inst.
412 Special Topics in Women and the Arts. 3 credits (H-I). Women artists and their works of art placed in their historical and cultural contexts. Limited to one artistic medium; art form differs each semester. P: Women St 101 or 102 or 410 and a course in a related discipline; or cons inst.
415 Introduction to Contemporary Feminist Theatre and Criticism. (Cross listed with Theatre) 3 credits (H-D). Introduction to the history, literature and theory of feminist theatre and of feminist criticism of mainstream theatre in the United States from 1960 to the present. P: So st or cons inst.
416 Women in Medieval Society. (Cross listed with Medieval) 3 credits (H-I). The changing role of women in medieval Europe from the fall of Rome to the Italian Renaissance. P: Jr st or cons inst.
420 Women in Cross-Societal Perspective. 3 credits (S-I). An interdisciplinary examination of the position of women in a variety of social contexts; an analysis of the society--specific and universal social forces that determine the position of women; an investigation of the change in women's status and role worldwide and an inquiry into the causes of this change. P: Woman-related course; a soc sci course; or cons inst.
421 Constructions of Gender in the Media. 3 credits (Z-I). Portrayal of women and men in the various mass media, including film, television, radio, newspapers, and magazines. Institutional and structural explanations for the social role stereotyping that exists in the media. Effects on society of stereotyping in the mass media. P: Women St 101 or 102 or woman- related course; & an intro course in soc sci, journ, or comm arts.
422 Women and the Law. 3 credits (S-D). Legal system, laws, and proposed legislation that have specific impact on the lives of women. Topics investigated in both the social and legal contexts. P: A woman-related course and a soc sci course; or cons inst.
423 Black Feminisms. (Cross listed with Afroamer) 3 credits (e-S-D). Examines the writings of Black feminists in order to foster interdisciplinary analyses of contemporary Black feminist thought. P: Women St 104 or Afro-Amer/ Women St 323.
424 Women's International Human Rights (3 credits Soc St; I/A) An examination of the contemporary development of international human rights and women's rights, and the fundamental contradiction between them. Analyzes core themes and issues of women's international human rights.
425 Chicana Feminisms. (Cross listed with Chic/STD) 3 credits (S-D). Examines key texts in the historical development of Chicana feminist thought. Considers the diversity of Chicana feminisms as well as how Chicana feminist theory proposes liberation from racial, gender, class, and sexual oppression. P: Chic/Std 101 or women's studies intro crse or Jr st.
430 The Biology and Psychology of Women. 3 credits (Y-I). A critical examination of theories, research findings and historical perspectives in the fields of biology, psychology, and medicine that are relevant to the development and evolution of sex role differences and biases. Assumptions, theories, and methodologies applied in such areas of investigation as: hormonal effects on the brain and behavior, the nature-nurture question, sex role development and stereotyping, and female sexuality. P: Women St 103, & either Psych 201 or 202, Hlth Care Systems 105 or Zoo 101; or cons inst.
431 Childbirth in the United States. 3 credits (S-D). American women's childbirth experiences from the colonial period to the present. Childbirth as a cultural as well as a biological event. Basic physiological information for understanding and evaluating changing approaches to pregnancy and childbirth. P: Women St 103 or 430 or equiv; or cons inst.
440 Feminist Theory: Historical Perspectives. 3 credits (Z-D). The evolution of theoretical and ideological explanations of women's past and present and prescriptions and visions for their future; critical analysis of feminist and non-feminist theories of the relation of woman to the social, economic, and political world. P: Jr st & 3 credits intermed or adv women's studies or cons inst.
441 Contemporary Feminist Theories. 3 credits (Z-D). Contemporary theoretical positions and debates about feminisms in the humanities and social sciences. P: Jr st & 3 credits intermed or adv women's studies or cons inst.
442 Lesbian Culture. 3 credits (H-D). Exploration of lesbian culture and history. Focuses on the history, meanings, and representations of relationships among women; critically analyzes the concepts of lesbian perspective, theory, aesthetic, and sensibility. P: So st & Women St 101 or 102.
443 Anthropology by Women. (Cross listed with Anthro) 3 credits (S-D). Contributions of women anthropologists to feminist and anthropological theories and research methods. Field research and gender. Current debates in women's studies and anthropology in light of recent research on women and gender in cross-cultural perspective. P: So st; one women st crse or one anthro crse or cons inst.
449 Special Topics in Feminism and Social and Cultural Theory. 3 credits (Z-D). Investigation of specific theorists, themes, problems, or eras in feminism and social theory. Subject differs each semester. P: So st and 3 credits of women st; or cons inst.
464 Goddesses and Feminine Powers. (Cross listed with Relig St, Langasia) 3 credits (H-D). Studies in the history of world religions with focus on specific feminine deities and sacred powers, their myths, cults and symbols, and their human agencies. P: Jr st or cons inst.
469 Women and Politics. (Cross listed with Poli Sci) 3-4 credits (S-D). Changing political roles, status, attitudes, and behaviors of women in contemporary society and of the political implications of changing female/male relationships. P: Jr st or cons inst.
472 Women in Turkish Society (Cross listed with Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia)
477 Feminism and Sociological Theory. (Cross listed with Soc) 3 credits (S-A). This course reviews the ways that feminist critiques have reshaped social theory since 1960. It examines the ways that feminist theorists have reconceptualized classical sociological problems and how this has influenced the ways research in conducted.
522 Psychology of Women. (Cross listed with Psych) 3 credits (S-D). Examination of theories and research on the psychology of women. Explores topics such as the biological and cultural bases of the psychology of women; psychological aspects of female sexuality and reproduction; violence against women; female achievement and power; lifestyle choices of women; and women and mental health. P: So st; Women St 102, 103 or 430; & a course in psych; or cons inst.
523 Gender, Poverty and Family Survival: Cross Cultural Perspectives. 3 credits (S) Examines different ways of thinking about poverty and assesses how well they help us to understand causes of women's poverty and develop strategies to alleviate it. Prerequisites: Women's Studies 101 or 102 OR Economics 101.
530 Biology and Gender. 3 credits (B-D). Examines the theories and methodologies of the relevant research areas in biology and animal behavior that underlie biological determinist theories of gender and gender differences, and explores alternative approaches, theoretical constructs and interpretations. P: Womens St 103 or cons inst & Jr or Sr st.
531 Women and Health in American History. (Cross listed with Hist Med, Hist Sci) 3 credits (B-I). Women as patients and as health professionals in America from the colonial period to the present. P: Jr st & cons inst.
533 Special Topics in Women and Health (3 credits Bio Sci; I/A) Examination in depth of scientific topics in the area of women's health. Critical reading of scientific literature and exploration of relevant biomedical issues in social, economic and cultural contexts.
560 Gender and Education. (Cross listed with Ed Pol) 3 credits (S-I). The impact of gender on educational performance and opportunity and the problems of integrating family and alternative lifestyle needs into educational policy and planning. P: Jr st and background in social sciences or cons inst.
561 Women in Sport: Historical Perspectives. (Cross listed with Kines) 2-3 credits (H-A). Historical development of sports for women; changing roles and opportunities for women in sports; discussion of contemporary issues. P: Jr st or cons inst.
571 Women in British and American Literature 1914 to the Present. (Cross listed with English) 3 credits (L-I). An analysis of selected modern works with attention to women writers and to the image of women in modern literature. P: 6 credits of intro lit.
595 Asian American Women Writers. (Cross listed with Asian Am, English) 3 credits (e-L-D). A study of major texts by Asian American women writers. P: 6 credits of intro lit or cons inst.
640 Advanced Seminar in Women's Studies. 3 credits (A). Major contributions of women's studies scholarship: interdisciplinary analyses of principal theoretical debates, integrating women's studies coursework. P: Sr st; Women St 440 or 441 or cons inst.
660 Internship in Women's Studies. 3-8 credits (A). The internship program is designed to provide students with opportunities for learning and working in organizations in ways that connect their coursework in women's studies to specific issues in community settings. P: Sr st; women's studies major; & cons inst.
677 Critical and Theoretical Perspectives in Black Women's Writings. (Cross listed with Afro-amer) 3 credits (e-L-A). Analyses and interpretations of literary works by black women writers through historical, philosophical, political, feminist, and other contemporary critical methods. P: Undergrads: 2 crses in Afro-Amer lit above intro level, or equiv in another dept of lit. No prereq for Grads.
691 Senior Thesis I. 2-3 credits (A). Research and preparation for the writing of a senior thesis. P: Cons inst.
692 Senior Thesis II. 2-3 credits (A). Senior thesis. P: Women St 691 and cons inst.
698 Directed Study. 1-6 credits (A). Graded on Cr/N basis. P: Requires cons inst.
699 Directed Study. 1-6 credits (A). Graded on lettered basis. P: Graded on a lettered basis; requires cons inst.
