Courses
A Wss 101 Introduction to Feminisms (3)
The origins and development of feminist thought, with emphasis on the political, social, and economic conditions of contemporary women's lives in the United States and abroad. Emphasis on student exploration of issues that confront women and men across the range of their differences in race, class and sexual orientation, and that produce multiple orientations to feminism. Based on a pedagogy of peer-learning; co-facilitated by undergraduate members of the Women's Studies Teaching Internship working under the supervision of Women's Studies faculty and graduate students from related departments. A Wss 101Z is the writing intensive version of A Wss 101; only one may be taken for credit. [DP]
A Wss 101Z Introduction to Feminisms (3)
A Wss 101Z is the writing intensive version of A Wss 101; only one may be taken for credit. [DP WI]
A Wss 106 U.S. Women Who Changed Our World (3)
American women have a long history of great achievements despite social constraints based on gender, racial-ethnic heritage, social class, sexual preference, age, and ableness. This course introduces students to U.S. women whose lives and work have had a significant impact on our world. With the women's own words through documentary videos and primary and secondary sources, students will connect women from our past to today's women in politics, sports, medicine, the law, music, art, literature, social activism, education, science, architecture, or journalism. May not be offered during 2002-2003. [DP US*]
A Wss 109N Women, Biology and Health (3)
This introduction to an integrated approach to women's biology analyzes biological and social influences affecting women's physical and mental health. Attention is given to similarities and differences in biology and health across gender, racial/ethnic, and class groupings. Intended for freshmen and sophomores. [NS]
A Wss 171L (= A Rus 171L) Women in Russian Culture (3)
The course will examine the roles of women in Russian culture through a study of film, as well as literary works by and about women. Only one of A Rus 171L & A Wss 171L may be taken for credit. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 190 (= A Rus 190) Women Writers in Russian Literature (3)
The course examines Russian women's writings beginning with the 18th century to the present. The texts are studied in the context of Russian literature in general and women's writings in particular. It includes: autobiographies by Catherine the Great, Alexandra Durova and Nadezda Mandelshtam; prose works by Karolina Pavlovana, Elena Guro, Tatjana Tolstaia, and the plays by Liudmila Petrushevskaia. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 202 Introduction to Lesbian and Gay Studies (3)
Topics may include the history of lesbian and gay culture(s) in the U.S., lesbian and gay civil rights movements, questions of sexual identity formation in historical and cultural contexts, lesbian and gay literature, and how these communities have responded to societal issues such as racism, classism, sexism, healthcare crises, and anti-gay violence. A Wss 202Z is the writing intensive version of A Wss 202; only one may be taken for credit. [DP]
A Wss 202Z Introduction to Lesbian and Gay Studies (3)
A Wss 202Z is the writing intensive version of A Wss 202; only one may be taken for credit. [DP WI]
A Wss 210 Current Issues in Women's Studies (3)
An introduction to issues of concern to contemporary women and men. Within the context of difference identified by race, class, and sexuality, the course is organized around a variety of topics, which may include the following: body politics; relationships, families, and households; living in a global economy; work, wages, and welfare; women's health; women and crime; environmental concerns; masculinities; artistic and musical expression; and making change in one's community. Designed for but not limited to non-majors
A Wss 217L (= A Mus 217L) Women and Music (3)
An examination of the contributions of women in music through a historical survey of Western art music and a brief survey of popular and non-Western musics. Works by women composers as well as other phases of women's activities as musicians will be studied. Live performances and interviews will be arranged when possible. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 220M Introduction to Feminist Theory (3)
Offers multidisciplinary, introductory perspectives on feminist theory and considers the range of frameworks for analysis from the beginnings of "second wave" feminism to the present, including liberal, lesbian/radical, socialist/materialist, women of color, psychoanalytic, standpoint, and ecofeminist perspectives. [SS]
A Wss 220G Perspectives on Women (3)
A Wss 220G is the writing intensive version of A Wss 220M; only one of A Wss 220M & 220G may be taken for credit. [SS WI]
A Wss 240 (= A Aas 240 & A Lcs 240) Classism, Racism and Sexism: Issues (3)
Analyzes the connections between and among classism, racism and sexism, their mutually reinforcing nature, and the tensions arising from their interrelations. Particular attention will be given to the ideological and personal aspects of these phenomena, as well as to their institutional guises in American society. A Wss 240Z is the writing intensive version of A Wss 240; only one of A Wss 240/240Z, A Aas 240, & A Lcs 240 may be taken for credit. [DP]
A Wss 240Z Classism, Racism and Sexism: Issues (3)
A Wss 240Z is writing intensive version of A Wss 240; only one of A Wss 240/240Z, A Aas 240, & A Lcs 240 may be taken for credit. [DP WI]
A Wss 248 (= A Jst 248) Women in Jewish Life and Literature (3)
Examines the various roles of women and diverse ways they have been represented in Jewish life and literature from the biblical period through the 20th century. Texts will include biblical passages, talmudic legislation and interpretation, medieval documents, early modern memoirs, and modern letters, poetry and fiction. Only one of A Wss 248 & A Jst 248 may be taken for credit. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 260 History of Women and Social Change (3)
With an emphasis on the diversity of U.S. women, this course examines the social, historical, and economic forces that have shaped U.S. women's lives from about 1800-1970 and the contexts within which women have participated in and sometimes led social and political movements. [US*]
A Wss 262M (= A Soc 262M) Sociology of Gender (3)
Culturally defined sex roles; their origins and their implications for individuals and society. Only one of A Wss 262M & A Soc 262M may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Soc 115M or permission of instructor. [DP SS]
A Wss 270 (= A Eas 270) Women in East Asian Literature (3)
Female persona in East Asian literature will be examined in relation to their cultural background as well as the genres in which they appear. Women as rulers and lovers; as goddesses and prostitutes; exemplars and shrews. Conducted in English; no knowledge of the East Asian languages or cultures is required. Only one of A Eas 270 & A Wss 270 may be taken for credit.
A Wss 280 Society's Nightmare: Images of Gender, Race, and Class in Horror Fiction (3)
Horror fiction and film are among the most popular genres, as well as the most powerful and disturbing, in American cultural life. Stephen King, Anne Rice, and others have risen to success by creating finely-crafted expressions of the nightmare of the inner lives of their readers. This course explores what 20th century horror fiction and films tell us about the inner life of the century. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 281 Constructed Image: Women and the Media (3)
This course will focus on the widespread and insidious influence the media has over constructing women's images of Self and Other. We will discuss the ways in which sexuality is constructed and how it intersects with issues of race, class, gender, and heterosexism in the media, specifically television and film images. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 299 Topics in Women's Studies (3)
Consideration of topics or issues in women's studies. May be taken more than once if content varies. Consult semester schedules for specific topics and prerequisites.
A Wss 308 Global Perspectives on Women (3)
The course addresses women's issues in the local context of women's movements in several regions and countries around the world as articulated by feminist scholars within those countries, with some attention to the relationship between U.S. women and global feminist struggles. Interdisciplinary readings, including fiction and feminist theory, bring the perspective of gender to global/international political and economic structures. Prerequisite: junior or senior class standing. [GC]
A Wss 310 Introduction to Feminist Pedagogy (4)
In-depth study of issues central to contemporary feminism, with special emphasis on group process, self-motivated learning and social change through education. For students who wish to prepare to co-facilitate A Wss 101 or 101Z as members of the Women's Studies Teaching Internship. Prerequisite(s): A Wss 101 or 101Z and either A Wss 220 or A Wss 360, which may be taken concurrently with A Wss 310, and permission of Cbair of Women's Studies Department. S/U graded.
A Wss 311Z (= A Clc 310Z) Women in Antiquity (3)
The literary, historical and archaeological evidence concerning the lives and roles of women in Greek and Roman society. Only one of A Wss 311Z & A Clc 310Z may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: junior or senior class standing. [EU WI]
A Wss 320 Feminist Pedagogy in Theory (3)
Continuation of A Wss 310 for students who are members of the Women's Studies Teaching Internship. Theory is discussed in the context of students serving as facilitators in sections of A Wss 101 and 101Z. Students work under supervision in a collaborative, collective mode of shared responsibility and leadership. Taken concurrently with A Wss 322. Prerequisite(s): A Wss 310 and 360, and permission of chair.
A Wss 322 Feminist Pedagogy in Practice (3)
With preparation from A Wss 310 and, concurrently A Wss 320, students serve as facilitators in sections of A Wss 101 and 101Z under faculty supervision. This course can be taken only once for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Wss 310 and 360, and permission of Chair of Women's Studies.
A Wss 328 (= A Gog 328/A Pln328) Gender, Space and Place (3)
Power relations and categories of social difference are reflected by dramatic inequalities in local environments, and in the quantity and quality of available space. This course examines, through the lenses of feminist geography and planning, how space is invested with social meaning. It discusses how the built environment affects and reflects relations of gender, sexuality and ethnicity, and considers how these social classifications produce "geographies of difference." Gender is also related to nationalism, colonialism, "geographic skills," and feminist research methodologies. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 125 or A Pln 220 or permission of instructor
A Wss 330 Gender, Class and Community in Modern China (3)
This course examines the meanings of gender, class, and community in the Chinese cultural context. Topics include: construction and representations of gender and sexuality in modern China; family and kinship systems; media and consumer culture; urbanization and modernism. Developments in Taiwan will be included where appropriate. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 333 (= R Pos 333) Women and the Law (3)
The various specific ways in which the law affects women by discriminating on the basis of sex and of the relationship between law and social norms regarding sex roles. Only one of A Wss 333 & R Pos 333 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M and junior or senior class standing, or permission of instructor.
A Wss 344 (= A Soc 344) Sociology of Women in the Political Economy (3)
The different economic roles women play. The socio-historical determinants of these roles and their implications for the individual and society. A Soc 344Z & A Wss 344Z are the writing intensive versions of A Soc 344 & A Wss 344; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Soc 115M or permission of instructor.
A Wss 344Z (= A Soc 344Z) Sociology of Women in the Political Economy (3)
A Soc 344Z & A Wss 344Z are the writing intensive versions of A Soc 344 & A Wss 344; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Soc 115M or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 2002-2003. [WI]
A Wss 350 (= A Phi 350) Philosophy and Feminism (3)
Examination of the theories of the oppression of women and proposals for solutions. Particular attention will be paid to existentialism, biological determinism, Marxism and feminist psychology and epistemology. Only one of A Wss 350 & A Phi 350 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): one course in philosophy or women's studies. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 357 (= A Eac 357, A His 357) Chinese Women and Modernity (3)
Chinese women and their search for and encounter with modernity will be the focus of this class. What have been the concerns of Chinese women? What forms have women's movements taken in the Chinese context? What has been the role of women in creating a modern Chinese state and society? These and other questions will be examined over the course of the semester.
A Wss 360 Feminist Social and Political Thought (3)
Study of the sources of contemporary feminist thought and the directions feminism has taken since the sixties. Contemporary feminism analyzed both as a historical movement and as a body of political theory. Particular attention will be paid to diversity within feminist theory and its differences with traditional political theory. Prerequisite(s): A Wss 101 or 101Z or 220M or 220G or R Pos 101M or permission of instructor.
A Wss 362L (= A Eng 362L) Critical Approaches to Women in Literature (3)
An examination of the relations among gender, text, and literary style. Course analyzes different images of women in texts, the relationship of these images to the form and content of the works studied, and the connections between individual works and cultural or critical history. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors. Only one of A Wss 362L & A Eng 362L may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): a 100-level English literature course or permission of instructor. [HU]
A Wss 365 (= A Ant 365) The Anthropology of New Reproductive Technologies (3)
A cross-cultural perspective on how new reproductive technologies (including invitro-fertilization, surrogacy, ultrasound, prenatal screening for disability, sex selection, fetal surgery, and neonatal intensive care) are transforming the experience of procreation and challenging cultural notions of kinship, personhood, and what it means to be human. Prerequisite(s): 3 credits in anthropology, philosophy, or women's studies.
A Wss 366 (= Eng A 366) Minority Women Writers (3)
A study of the literature of a given subculture and the ways in which factors such as age, sex, class, and race are presented in literature. The course focuses also on the relationship of minority works to cultural and critical history, on the effects of writing outside the cultural mainstream, and on the questions of technique, voice, and tradition for minority women writers. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors. Cross-listed only when the course focuses on women writers. May be repeated for credit once when content varies. Prerequisite(s): a 100-level English literature course or permission of instructor.
A Wss 368L (= A Eng 368L) Women Writers (3)
Selected works of English and/or American women writers in the context of the literary and cultural conditions confronting them. The course focuses on the development of a female tradition in literature and on the narrative, poetic, and/or dramatic styles of expression, voice, and values of women writers. May be repeated for credit with change in topic. Prerequisite(s): a 100-level English literature course or permission of the instructor. [HU]
A Wss 371 (= A Psy 371) Sexual and Physical Abuse (3)
In depth coverage of abuse and neglect of children and elderly people; relationship violence in heterosexual, lesbian and gay relationships; rape and other forms of sexual coercion; sexual abuse of children; child pornography and prostitution; and sexual harassment. Research and theories from diverse areas of psychology will be used. Emphasis will be on prevention. A Wss 371Z is the writing intensive version of A Wss 371; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Psy 101M and A Psy 210 or an equivalent statistics course approved by instructor or permission of instructor.
A Wss 371Z (= A Psy 371Z) Sexual and Physical Abuse (3)
A Wss 371Z is the writing intensive version of A Wss 371; only one may be taken for credit. [WI]
A Wss 381 (= A Ant 381) Anthropology of Gender (3)
Cross-cultural analysis of gender roles. Focuses on non-Western societies, using data from other societies to better understand the gender system of our own culture. Issues include status of women and men, the meaning of "femaleness" and "maleness", and women and health care systems. A Ant 381Z & A Wss 381Z are the writing intensive versions of A Ant 381 & A Wss 381; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): one course in anthropology or sociology.
A Wss 381Z (= A Ant 381Z) Anthropology of Gender (3)
A Ant 381Z & A Wss 381Z are the writing intensive versions of A Ant 381 & A Wss 381; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): one course in anthropology or sociology. [WI]
A Wss 397 Independent Study (1-4)
Study by a student in an area of special interest not treated in courses currently offered. Work performed under direction of a professor chosen by the student on a topic approved by the. May be repeated with approval. Prerequisite(s): permission of the Women's Studies Department Chair of the Women's Studies Department.
A Wss 399 Topics in Women's Studies (1-3)
Consideration of topics or issues in women's studies selected on the basis of faculty and student interest. May be taken more than once with different content. Consult fall and spring schedule of classes for specific topics and prerequisites.
A Wss 401 Women, Science and Technology (3)
This seminar will examine the rich and problematic relationship between women and science/technology. Drawing on the new scholarship about women in the sciences in this country, we will investigate the changing status and activities of women over the past two centuries and the consequences for the sciences and technology. A Wss 401Z is the writing intensive version of A Wss 401; only one may be taken for credit. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 401Z Women, Science and Technology (3)
A Wss 401Z is the writing intensive version of Wss 401; only one may be taken for credit. May not be offered during 2002-2003..[WI]
A Wss 412 Race, Gender and Cultural Politics in Asian America (3)
With an emphasis on historical perspectives as well as the intersections of gender, class, and race/ethnicity, this course studies the experience of Asians in the U.S. Topics include: immigration laws; labor and work; family and community formation; the processes of reconstructing history and memory; politics of media representation. Prerequisite: junior or senior class standing.
A Wss 413 (= A His 413) Sexual Politics in Chinese History (3)
This course examines sexual politics in the Chinese historical/cultural context. Issues discussed and analyzed include: constructions of gender and sexuality (including homosexuality); "policing" of family and kinship structures; ideological indoctrination through education and other means; rape laws; sex crimes; forms of dissent or protest. Readings include literature in translation. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing.
A Wss 416 (= A Aas 416) Contemporary Black Women and Their Fiction (3)
Evaluation of the style, technique, content, and nature of the discourse in which contemporary Black women writers are engaged. Readings include at least one work by Toni Cade Bambara, Gloria Naylor, Toni Morrison, Paule Marshall, Gayle Jones, and Alice Walker. Only one of A Wss 416 & A Aas 416 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): senior class standing, at least one literature course, and permission of instructor. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 433 (= R Pos 433) Women, Politics and Power (3)
Examines the role of women within American society; identifies the systematic factors that have contributed to women's sociopolitical exclusion; investigates selected contemporary ideologies that posit a redefinition of the power relationships within society as the primary political objective. R Pos 433Z & A Wss 433Z are the writing intensive versions of R Pos 433 & A Wss 433; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 433Z (= R Pos 433Z) Women, Politics and Power (3)
R Pos 433Z & A Wss 433Z are the writing intensive versions of R Pos 433 & A Wss 433; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 2002-2003. [WI]
A Wss 440 (= A Aas 440 and A His 440) Black Women in United States History (3)
This seminar will examine the history of black women in the United States from the slave era through the post World War II reform movements. It will focus upon the range of demands black women faced during the Gilded and Progressive eras-their participation in the suffrage movement, black struggles for liberation, cultural expressions, labor force, etc. Only one of A Wss 440, A Aas 440 and A His 440 may be taken for credit.
A Wss 450 The Literature of Feminism: An Interdisciplinary Seminar (3)
Draws upon the entire body of writing (fictional and nonfictional) that concerns feminism. In different semesters, focuses on different themes, periods, ideas, or issues related to feminism. Combines readings, lectures, seminar discussions, and research. May be repeated for credit when topics differ. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 451 (= A Lcs 451) Gender & Class in Latin American Development (3)
The study of the interplay of cultural, ideological, and structural factors affecting women's lives during the course of Latin America's growing industrialization, from the perspective of gender and class analysis. The topics covered are: household work, paid work, migration, growth of female headed households, and women's political participation. Prerequisite(s): any course in Latin American Studies and/or Women's Studies. Only one of A Wss 451 & A Lcs 451 may be taken for credit. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 465 Feminist Theory (3)
The course will examine key changes in feminist theory from the late 1960's to the present. It will assess changes in the way feminists have thought about such topics as: motherhood, sexuality, the origin and nature of women's oppression, class, race, and differences among women. Attention will be given to the political implications of changes in theory. Prerequisite(s): A Wss 360, or R Pos 313, or A Wss 490Z, or permission of instructor.
A Wss 475 (= A Arh 475; formerly A Wss 455) Women in Art (3)
Survey of women artists from 1550 to the present, including Artemesia Gentileschi, Elizabeth Vigee-Lebrun, Mary Cassatt, Alice Neel. Also includes a feminist analysis of images of women in art since the Renaissance. A Arh 475Z & A Wss 475Z are the writing intensive versions of A Arh 475 & A Wss 475; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171L and junior or senior class standing, or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Wss 475Z (= A Arh 475Z; formerly A Wss 455Z) Women in Art (3)
A Arh 475Z & A Wss 475Z are the writing intensive versions of A Arh 475 & A Wss 475; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171L and junior or senior class standing, or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Wss 490Z Research Seminar in Women's Studies (4)
Seminar in the theory and practice of women's studies research to examine what distinguishes women's studies from other disciplines; the relationship between feminist research and community/political activism; how feminist research is changing the traditional disciplines and the methods used in research. Prerequisite(s): senior standing or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Wss 492 Internship in Women's Studies (4)
Sequel to A Wss 490Z. Students apply theory to a semester-long internship. Investigation of feminist scholarship and contributions that feminist learning make to the larger community. Students interested in internships should contact instructor during fall semester to make arrangements. Internships are open only to qualified juniors and seniors who have an overall grade point average of 2.50 or higher. S/U graded. Prerequisite(s): A Wss 490Z.
A Wss 494 Honors Project (3)
Independent research project required for successful completion of Women's Studies Honors. In order to register for this course, students must present a written prospectus of their project to the Director of the Women's Studies Honors Program. Students complete their Honors Project under the supervision of the Director of the Honors Program and an Honors Project Advisor. Honors students will present their projects to Women's Studies faculty and students upon completion of their work. Prerequisite(s): Admission to Women's Studies Honors Program; A Wss 490Z (may be taken concurrently).
A Wss 498 Topics in Women's Studies (3)
Considers topics or issues in women's studies selected on the basis of faculty and student interest. May be repeated with different content. Consult fall and spring schedule of classes for specific topics and prerequisites.
