Women's Studies

This course selectively studies the art and lives of women artists, investigates theories concerning representations of women, and examines contextual issues that impact women’s lives and their artistic production. 

A study of the human reproductive system with primary emphasis on anatomy and physiology. Consideration also will be given the psychological, religious, and ethical aspects of human sexuality. Lecture.

Labor supply, labor demand, and their interaction in the determination of wage rates are the points of examination for this course. Wage differentials are examined in light of market, institutional, and sociological factors. Discussions of labor unions and their economic effects are held as are examinations of macroeconomic topics such as unemployment and inflation.

Topics in creative writing by women. Topics may include Feminist Literature, Reading and Writing Women, women writers within certain periods and cultural contexts, and specific themes such as women and art. 

Although men and women share many common health concerns, women also experience health issues and challenges that are unique to them. Throughout history, women have faced misconceptions and stereotypes regarding their health, their bodies, and their ability to participate fully in society. They have also experienced discrimination and inequities in both their daily lives and within the healthcare system. Women are living longer than ever before, which has increased the importance of understanding the health challenges associated with aging and longevity. This course provides students with a broad understanding of women’s health across the lifespan, with an emphasis on factors that influence women’s physical, mental, social, and reproductive health. Students will examine how historical, cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors have shaped women’s health and access to healthcare.

Topics may include the history of women’s healthcare; healthcare access and economics; prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer; nutrition and physical activity; chronic diseases affecting women; sexual and reproductive health; HIV and sexually transmitted infections; violence against women; mental health; women and aging; and the impact of the workplace and other social factors on women’s health and wellness.     

For years women have had to fight for gender equality, especially in the male dominated area of sports. This course will closely examine the obstacles women have had to overcome in their quest for equality in sports throughout history. The course will be comprised of lectures, readings and discussions from assigned articles, video presentations in class, and student presentations on issues related to the struggle for women to compete in sports.

A study of women in American history from The Colonial Era to the present. 

A readings course on women’s lives in various non-Western traditional cultures. Cross-listed with POL 402. 

A study of philosophical views of gender and sexuality. Specific authors, texts, and topics will vary and may include historical as well as contemporary perspectives. Typical issues covered include the following: whether gender and sexual identities are naturally given versus socially constructed; the nature and causes of gender expectations; sexism and sexual inequalities; the ways in which gender and sexuality intersect with other aspects of identity such as race, class, and culture; theories of love and sexual relationship; feminist analyses of traditional philosophical issues in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. GEP Writing Intensive. Counts toward Women’s Studies credit.

A study of the role of Women in American Politics. This course considers the historical context of women and major political movements to consider the evolution and impact of women in politics in the current U.S. context. This course engages with a variety of topics involving women in politics including public opinion, representation, and political institutions.

A readings course on women’s lives in various non-Western traditional cultures. Cross-listed with HST 402. 

A study of gender comparisons in behavior. Selected topics include theories of female development, femininity, masculinity, and androgyny, gender comparisons in personality, adjustment, abilities, achievement, motivation, language, biological influences, sexuality, violence against women, and cross- cultural perspectives. Offered alternate years. Spring Term.

This course is designed to introduce students to the origins and significance of the study of gender differences and gender relations from a psychological perspective. The course focuses on current theory and research on perceived and actual biological, social, cognitive, personality and emotional similarities and differences between people of all genders throughout the lifespan as well as the construction and meaning of gender in our society. Attention will also be paid to the methods for gathering data in this field.

An interdisciplinary introduction to Women’s Studies examining methodology, perspectives, and writings in Women’s Studies from the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.