Regularly Offered Courses

WGS 200 : Introduction to Gender Studies

(3 credits)

An introduction to the social construction of gender, a concept that underlies research in women studies and the new masculinity studies—indeed, of much work in the humanities and social sciences, generally.  Topics may include the role of gender in the formation of human symbol systems and institutions worldwide, as well its capacity to shape individual bodies, identities, and kinship relations.

WGS 225 : Introduction to the Study of Women

(3 credits)

An introduction to the study of women as subjects of scholarly inquiry, with emphasis on assessments of women's contributions to Western culture. The course will provide an interdisciplinary focus on the central issues and questions posed by the new scholarship on women, and introduce students to the perspectives and methodologies of a variety of disciplines.

WGS 480 : Feminist Theory

(3 credits) with Kathleen Dixon

This course begins with the liberal ideas of Anglo-American feminism and moves to contemporary debates on gender and sexuality, from arguments for equality between “the sexes” to identity politics to the current fuzzy locus of “diversity.” Embodiment will be a key theme for the course.

Note: you don’t need to be a Women Studies major, or even a woman, to take this course!

WGS 492 : Senior Study

(3 credits) with Kathleen Dixon

Supervised independent study involving a theory paper, practicum experience, or a combination of the two. Contact Kathleen Dixon for more information.