Women's and Gender Studies

An interdisciplinary course that draws on literature, history, psychology, science, economics and feminist theory, Introduction to Women's Studies and Gender Studies examines cultural assumptions about gender (e.g., femininity, masculinity, sexual preference), promoting new ways for students to look at the construction of knowledge from woman-centered and feminist perspectives. Assignments emphasize women's and men's diverse experiences (across races, religions, cultures and economic class), masculinity studies and gay studies. Topics include: woman's nature in myth and symbol; historical and cultural sources of gender oppression; the family circle; women and work; new visions for the future. At the end of the course, students will be able to discuss from both a theoretical and personal standpoint how and why gender shapes nearly all aspects of life; additionally, students will gain understanding of women's studies and masculinity studies: their evolution, current debates within the field, and their application to other fields of study.

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