Women and Gender Studies

Introduces the role that gender plays in social institutions and the ideas, discourses, and questions that define women and gender studies.

Examines health and psychological issues for women, legal and political realities that influence women's emotional and physical well-being and important aspects of intimacy and sexuality with a focus on both physiological and psychological development. Credit may be obtained in only one EDHL 2305, PSYC 2305 or WGST 2305.

A comprehensive survey utilizing political, historical and sociological factors to analyze the status of American women. Aspects of sex role socialization, institutional interaction, social problems and social movements are analyzed. Prerequisite: SOCI 1301 or 6 hours of social science. Credit may not be obtained in both SOCI 2363 and WGST 2363.

Issues surrounding the participation of women in the arts. Selected women who have contributed to the visual and performing arts throughout history are studied in relation to the culture of their time and the principles related to the arts. No previous experience in theatre, art or music required. Prerequisite: completion of visual/performing arts component requirement. Credit may be obtained in only one of ARTS 3302, MUSI 3302, THEA 3302 or WGST 3302.

An overview of the broad range of psychological issues and biological events which are of significant relevance to women. Explores the richness of the female experience in terms of changing values, attitudes and expectations. Prerequisite: 6 hours of Psychology. Credit may not be obtained in both PSYC 3313 and WGST 3313.

Readings in special topics. Credit may not be obtained in both ENGL 3399, when taught from a woman and gender studies perspective, and WGST 3399. Can be repeated once when topics change. Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of sophomore English or permission of instructor.

An integrated study of the impact that socioeconomic and ethnic/racial factors have on minority women within the United States. Prerequisite: SOCI 1301 or 6 hours of social science. Credit may not be obtained in both SOCI 4364 or WGST 4300.

Selected topics in British Literature. A topic for intensive investigation will be selected for each offering of the course. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of sophomore English. Credit may not be obtained in both ENGL 4340, when taught from a women and gender studies perspective, and WGST 4340. Can be repeated once when topics change.

Investigation of women's historical place in global themes such as patriarchy, sexual politics, work, religion, peace, colonization and the body. Credit may not be obtained in both HIST 4360 and WGST 4360. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours of History and/or Political Science.

Selected topics in literature from the United States. A topic for intensive investigation will be selected for each offering of the course. May be repeated with different topics, but no more than 6 SCH may count toward major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of sophomore English. Credit may not be obtained in both ENGL 4360, when topic is taught from a women's studies perspective and WGST 4361.

Investigation of how political institutions and processes shape norms of citizenship, focusing on social identifiers such as gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of Political Science and/or Sociology. Credit may not also be obtained for POLS 4367 or SOCI 4367.

Nature and women have been problematic for American society and, thus, American literature. Nature has been seen both as an early Hell populated by Indian "devils" and as a second Garden of Eden. Similarly, as a group, women have been regarded both as latter-day Eves and as "angels in the house." This course will address these two topics and show the development of the themes concerning them. Students will understand something of the role of nature and of women (as a class) in shaping and reflecting American thought and values. Credit may not be both ENGL 4370, when taught from a women's studies perspective and WGST 4370.

Critical analysis of feminist and gender theories and the methods scholars use to make their arguments. Focus on key issues such as the public/private divide, the sex/gender debate, feminist political economy, queer theory, multicultural and global perspectives.

A topic for intensive investigation will be selected for each offering of the course. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: WGST 1301. Credit ma not be obtained in both WGST 4374 and the course it is cross-listed with.

Selected topics in world literature written in English or in English translation. A topic for intensive investigation will be selected for each offering of the course. May be repeated with different topics, but no more than 6 SCH may count toward major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of sophomore English. Credit may not be obtained in both ENGL 4380, when topic is taught from a women's studies perspective, and WGST 4380.

Intensive work in the field or with an organization, related to gender or women's issues. Prerequisites: junior standing and approval of the WGST Director.

Capstone course enabling students to collect, reflect on, synthesize, and self-assess their work from different courses and to expand their knowledge of WGST through empirical research. Course varies thematically. Prerequisite: 6 hours of WGST courses.