Women’s Studies Course Offerings
Spring 2010

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Spring 2010

WMST 200: Introduction to Women’s Studies
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.

ARTH 479: Topics in Twentieth Century Art: Contemporary Women Artists*
Dr. Leslie Bellavance v MW 3:35-4:50 v Duke 210
This will be a reading, research and discussion course examining the work of contemporary women artists worldwide. The topic will be explored by focusing on the work of specific women artists of the last three decades. The impact of the theories, concepts and actions of the feminist movement, postmodernism, and globalism will be explored. This is not so much a survey course as an interactive exploration. The objective of the course is for students to gain a more complete understanding of the work of contemporary women artists and their impact on contemporary culture as a whole. Lectures, discussions and assignments are designed to develop critical thinking and each student’s individual point of view about the art works discussed and viewed outside of class.

ENG 368: Narratives of Female Development and Discovery
Karen Evans v W 2:30-5:15 v HHS 1207
A study of novels and short stories by contemporary American women writers.

ENG 370: Exploring Gay and Lesbian Literature
Dr. Dawn Goode v MW 5-6:15; W 6:30-9 v Keezell G003
An exploration of texts and issues in literature written by and about gay and lesbian writers, including critical and theoretical issues as well as questions of canon. Texts studied may include fiction, poetry, drama, essays and memoirs written primarily, but not exclusively, in the 20th century.

ENG 412J Sec. 2/HIST 439 Sec. 1/AMST 490 Sec. 1: Marriage, Sexuality and Reform in Early America*
Dr. Henigman v TTh 2:00-3:15 v Keezell 310
The nineteenth century perfectionist project – the ambition to establish an ideal society – often involved rethinking ideas about marriage and sexuality. In this course we will look at select topics in the history of sexuality and reform in early America, including the experimentation with different forms of marriage by various communitarian groups (Shakers, Mormons); the interaction of the nineteenth-century feminist movement with other reform movements (abolitionism, temperance); same-sex relationships and identities; marriage and violence; and others. We will draw on insights and sources from a variety of disciplines. Each student will develop an original research project to work on over the course of the semester.

ENG 466: Studies in Women’s Literature: Women and War in South Asia and the Middle East
Dr. Debali Mookerjea-Leonard v TTh 12:30-1:45 v Keezell 107
How are women affected by war? Is political nationalism good for women? Are women “naturally” peaceful? Why is the production of “patriotic” mothers integral to the modern national war mobilization? Women have been described within some strands of feminist thought as “different” and often characterized as nurturing and generally pacifist; however, such an approach eclipses the fact that war continues to find wide sympathy among women. Women frequently cooperate in and support war efforts even despite the possibility of personal misfortune—the loss of family members, destitution and displacement, as well as women’s bodies being used as “particular targets of war, victims of rape, sexual humiliation, radical social dislocation, permanent injury and murder” (Ruddick).  Through a study of literary and feminist-theoretical and critical writings, and films on recent political upheaval in South Asia and the Middle East, this course explores women’s relationship to war, peace, the state, politics, and processes of cultural production.

HIST 320: Women in US History
Dr. Sidney Bland v MWF 9:05-9:55 v Jackson 003
HIST 302 is a one semester survey of the roles and place of women throughout the course of the American historical experience.

PSYC 310: The Psychology of Women and Gender
Dr. Arnie Kahn v TTh 2-3:15 v Miller 1107
An examination of research and theory regarding the abilities and behaviors of women and the changing roles of women. Consideration is given to biological, developmental and societal determinants of sex and gender. Prerequisites: GPSYC 101 and junior status.

PSYC 497, Sec. 5: Senior Seminar in Psychology: Women & Mental Health*
Dr. Pam Gibson v T 2-4:30PM v Cleveland 0114
This course will address concepts relating to women's mental health within our present U.S. culture. Special attention will be given to socio-cultural phenomena, and a respect for women's experiences will be maintained at all times.

SOCI 337. Sociology of Gender
Dr. Matthew Ezzell v MWF 1:25-2:15 v Memorial Hall 7355
This course, using an intersectional framework, will include a critical examination of: the social construction of gender; the ways gender is built into social institutions and lived out in our daily lives; and, the hidden and not-so-hidden inequalities that are part of this society and the cultural assumptions and interpersonal patterns of interaction that reinforce those inequalities.

WMST 300: Africana Women in the Media
Dr. Brillian Besi Muhonja v TTh 2-3:15 v Jackson 001B
Join us as we examine the positioning and representation of women of global Africa in the media in the USA. We will investigate: images of women of African descent in the media and their accuracy; forces that have contributed to these representations including time, the transitioning narrative of “the African American,” and politics; and just how much these images and representations have influenced the world view and commonly held stereotypes about women of African descent in the USA and globally. Through an exploration of the concept of media literacy, students take on the roles of informed media consumers and critics.

WMST 325: Gender & Violence*
Dr. Dawn Goode v MW 2:30-3:45 v Miller 2160
This course explores the public nature of private violence, specifically violence committed against women in U.S. culture. We will investigate the social, political and personal meaning of violence within a gendered context. Throughout the course we will analyze the ways in which demographic, social, cultural, economic and political factors teach us to think about women in violent terms as well as help perpetuate violence against women. We will consider violence not only in its physical dimension, but also in its symbolic and structural manifestations. We will also examine the ways in which ideas about race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality affect the degree and types of violence committed against women. Our readings will include essays from fields of studies such as anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and psychology amongst others. Specific topics addressed will include: the construction of gender, rape, intimate abuse, sexual harassment, war, male-centered institutions, violence and the media, and the prevention of violence. Both local and international perspectives will be added to the course via student presentations (both individual and group).

WMST 495: Gender Issues In Science
Dr. Louise Temple and Alysia Davis v TTh 3:30-4:45 v HHS 2202
Ever wonder WHY there are so few women engineers? Ever ponder WHETHER genetics differences in women and men matter in choice of careers? Ever wonder WHAT we might know about the natural world if women or other under-represented groups were asking the questions? Using readings, discussions, films, panels, and laboratory experiments, THESE and other intriguing questions are addressed in the course, "Gender Issues in Science."

*You will need to complete a Course Substitution form in order to receive course credit toward the minor.