Women's Studies (WS) Undergraduate Course Descriptions
WS 201. Introduction to Women's Studies [Goal 5] (Diversity/MGM)
Women's lives, contributions, and culture; history and social institutions (family, media, schools, etc.) from perspective of women. Integrated lab. 3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
WS 220. Race and Gender in the U.S. [Goal 7] (Diversity/MGM)
Interdisciplinary study of racism and sexism as institutionalized oppressions that shape the experiences of women and men of color in the U.S. Cultural contributions women and men of color have made to society. 3 Cr. DEMAND.
WS 305. Topics in Women's Studies
A selected topic in women's studies. Specific topics to be listed in the class schedule. May be repeated under different topics to a maximum of 6 credits. 1-3 Cr. DEMAND.
WS 315. Feminist Research Methods
Interdisciplinary feminist research methods for developing qualitative and quantitative studies, designing projects, implementing research and presenting results. Prereq.: 201, 6 additional WS credits. 3 Cr. F.
WS 325. Violence and Women
Violence and its impact on women. The relationship between knowledge formation and public policy on topics such as sexual harassment, pornography, rape, and courtship/dating violence. 3 Cr. F.
WS 330. Gender and Popular Culture [Goal 6]
Representations of race, class, gender, and sexuality in popular culture. Students will develop critical analytical skills and an understanding of how marginalized groups are portrayed in the media. 3 Cr. DEMAND.
WS 340. Global Feminisms [Goal 8]
Development of Global feminist movement(s), identifies challenges, and explores the impact of engaging a transnational perspective in understanding and addressing women's issues across cultures. Examines extent to which the empowerment of women is demonstrated through multiplicity of meaning women give to their actions and life experiences in a global context.
3 Cr. S.
WS 345. Practicum in Women's Studies
Application of theory and research to constructive institutional and social change to improve women's lives. May be repeated to maximum of 3 credits. Prereq.: 201 and consent of instructor. 1-3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
WS 444. Internship
Supervised research or training opportunities provided by women oriented social service and government agencies or by women's organizations. Maximum of 4 credits can be counted towards minor. Prereq.: 9 credits of women's studies, including 201. 3-15 Cr. F, S, SUM.
WS 485. Capstone Seminar
Integration and application of Women's Studies key concepts and core knowledge to issues of future careers, personal life, public policy, and the development of Women's Studies scholarship. Prereq.: 201, 315, 415. 3 Cr. S.
Women's Studies (WS) Courses for Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate Students
WS 405/505. Women of Color in the U.S. (same as ETHS 405/505)
Examination of historical and contemporary issues facing American, Indian, African American, Asian American, Latina, and immigrant women living primarily in the United States. The impact of race, gender, class, and other social inequalities on the lives of women of color will be discussed. Prereq.: for 405: one of WS 201, ETHS 201, 205, 210, 215, 220 or an approved racial issues course. 3 Cr. F.
WS 406/506. Sexual Assault Advocacy Training
Advocacy skills for sexual assault survivors including: understanding the impact of sexual assault on survivors, the social and cultural context in which sexual assault occurs, and the roles the legal system, law enforcement, social services and medical services play with survivors. Prereq.: for undergrad 201 or HURL 201. 3 Cr. F, SUM.
WS 415/515. Feminist Theory
Feminist theories and their application to understanding women's lives and social institutions. This course fulfills the Upper Division Writing Requirement for the Women's Studies major with a grade of "C" or better. Prereq.: 9 credits of women's studies or equivalent. 3 Cr. S.
WS 445/545. Women and Computers
Gender issues in computer technology; the computer as a tool to enhance feminist research; applications of feminist pedagogy and multimedia techniques to disseminate feminist research. Integrated lab. Prereq.: 201 or PSY 225 and consent of instructor. 3 Cr. S.
WS 493/593. Gender, Space and Society: Global Perspectives
Relationships among gender, geography and society at seven key scales - the body, home, workplace, the environment, city, nation and the global. 3 Cr. F.
