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Women's Studies

Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary minor centering on the impact of gender and the experience of women in society.

Coordinator:

Degree awarded: none

Requirements for the minor in Women's Studies: 18 s.h. including WST 200, ENG 342, and HIS 382; plus 9 s.h. from the following courses: JUS 382; SOC 372, 383, 392; WST 202, 485.

Requirements for the major and A.A. Concentration: not available

WOMEN'S STUDIES COURSES

WST 200 INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S STUDIES (3 s.h.)
Introduction to the impact of gender, the role of values, institutions, and socialization processes in the lives of women in our own and other cultures; contributions of various disciplines to the study of women; critical approaches and tools for doing research related to women's experience. This course is offered as needed.

WST 202 INTERNSHIP (1-3 s.h.)
To be performed at the Women's Center or elsewhere, as approved by the director. This course is offered as needed.

WST 485 SPECIAL TOPICS (3 s.h.)
Topics will vary, focusing on interdisciplinary work arising from feminist scholarship. Permission of the director.

ENG 342 WOMEN'S LITERATURE (3 s.h.)
Concentrated study of literature written by women. The course emphasizes the historical context of women's poetry, prose, and fiction; introduces students to major figures in women's literary history; identifies recurrent themes in writings by women; and introduces students to feminist literary theory. Cross listed as WST 342. This course is offered in alternate years.

HIS 382 HISTORY AND GENDER (3 s.h.)
Investigates the historical meanings and practices of womanhood and manhood in diverse cultures. Topics include family relationships, sexuality, morals, politics and society.

JUS 382 WOMEN AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (3 s.h.)
This course provides students with a survey of the variety of ways in which females come into contact with the criminal justice system, looking at women as victims, as offenders, as prisoners, and as professionals working in the criminal justice system. Historically, the study of criminal justice has focused on male offending and deviant behavior. This course will examine the distribution of crimes affecting women, how female offenders differ from male offenders, survey the historical development of theories that explain or have not explained female offenders, and how the criminal justice system deals with female offenders. The focus throughout this course will be on special issues and special problems associated with adult and juvenile females and the criminal justice system and how these contrast with the experiences of males in the criminal justice system. Students should note this is a writing intensive class. Prerequisites: JUS 241, SOC 151, JUS 309, SOC 309 or permission of the instructor. This course is offered every fall semester odd years.

SOC 372 MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY (3 s.h.)
Love, sexuality, mate selection, marriage, divorce, and child-rearing in a changing society. This course is offered as needed.

SOC 383 GENDER AND SOCIETY (3 s.h.)
A study of the impact of gender on society and the individual. Examines sources of gender identity. Considers effects of gender in such areas as social stratification, politics, work, religion, and the family. Reviews the history and impact of the women's movement. This course is offered as needed.

SOC 392 HUMAN SEXUALITY (3 s.h.)
A study of historical, biological, cultural, legal and ethical issues relating to human sexuality. Includes such issues as conception, pregnancy, birth control; heterosexual and homosexual patterns of sexual expression; gender roles; sexual dysfunctions and therapy; sexually transmitted diseases; and laws and norms regulating sexual expression. This course is offered as needed.