Summer 2008 Women’s Studies Course Offerings

ENG 368: Women’s Literature
Women’s Narratives of Development
Dr. Mary Thompson
June 9-July 3. On-line.
This course explores the themes of coming of age and self-discovery in the fiction of 20th century American women writers.  We will explore the construction of women’s identities across issues of race, social class, sexuality, and place.
Texts:
Kate Chopin, The Awakening and Selected Stories. 1899. NY: Penguin Books, 1984.
Nella Larsen, Quicksand and Passing. 1928. NJ: Rutgers UP, 1986.
Toni Morrison, Sula. 1973. NY: Vintage, 1984.
Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar. 1963. NY: Harper & Row, 1971.
Ntozake Shange, For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf. NY: Scribner, 1975.
Dorothy Allison, Bastard Out of Carolina. NY: Dutton, 1992.
Sandra Cisneros,The House on Mango Street.
Erika Lopez, Flaming Iguanas

HIST 321: European Women’s History
Dr. Jessica Davidson
June 9 – July 3. On-line.
A survey European women’s history from the Enlightenment to the Modern Era. Attention will focus on women in England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain as well as the former Soviet Union. The course traces the birth of modern feminism in the European context and explores gender expectations, paying particular attention to women’s entrance into the public, political world.

SOCI 336: Race and Gender
Dr. Bethany Bryson
May 12 – June 6 (afternoon session)
This course examines the social construction of race and ethnicity around the world and how they influence social processes, institutions, change and ideology. The course will include discussions concerning the intersection of race and ethnicity with other aspects of social inequality such as class, gender, sexuality and nationality in contemporary society.

SOCI 367: Sociology of Sexuality
Dr. Bethany Bryson
May 12- June 6 (morning session)
This course examines sociological theory and research on sexual behaviors, identities, cultures and social movements, investigating how sexuality is shaped by society and its social institutions. In addition, the course examines how sociological research on sexuality is conducted, how society shapes the sociological study of sexuality, the unique ethical concerns and methodological challenges in researching sexuality, and the place of sociology in shaping public discourse and social policy on relevant social issues.

SCOM 348: Gender and Communication
Dr. Melissa Aleman
May 12 – June 6. On-line.
This will be a completely asynchronous course.
Studies of theories and research regarding the influence of gender in various human communication contexts, both public and private.  Emphasis on the critical analysis of existing theory and empirical research and the potential competent use of communication for social change.

WMST 200: Introduction to Women’s Studies
Alysia Davis
June 9 - July 18. On-line.
Cross disciplinary introduction to theories and scholarship in Women's Studies.  Examines the social construction of gender, how gender affects access to opportunity, and the experiences and contributions of women.  Provides a foundation for subsequent work in the women's studies minor.

WMST 495: Special Topics in Women’s Studies
Summer in Ghana
Dr. Kristin Juncker
Contact professor for exact dates.
Women’s Studies 495: Special Topics: WMST 495 is designed to give students in women’s studies an opportunity to complete independent study under faculty supervision or to attend lectures presented on women issues.  The approved list of summer activities in Ghana include lectures on

• Women and petty trading in developing nations
• Women and agriculture in Ghana
• Women and oral performances (oral literature)
• Women in Public Life
• Women and the Law in Ghana
• Educating the public about women and development
• Women and HIV/AIDS
• The Atlantic Slave Trade and the condition of women slaves

All students participating in the Ghana program are provided with a reading package.   All lecture presentations are given by University of Ghana faculty and Ghana Women NGO personnel.  Students keep journals, and class notes and other program assignments are collected and evaluated each week.
http://www.jmu.edu/international/abroad/jmu_ghana/index.shtml