Women's Studies Department
Women’s Studies Department Course Offerings with Descriptions
Spring 2011
WMST 101, Introduction to Women’s Studies (satisfies
social science and multicultural requirements): large lecture taught by
Lynn Comella, PhD. MW 8:30-9:20 a.m. with W 50-minute breakout discussion group--see
schedule
An introduction to the history, theories, methods, and issues that
constitute the field of Women’s Studies since its inception in the late 1960s.
Beginning with an exploration of individual women’s experiences on the personal
level, the course moves to consider diverse women’s issues locally, nationally,
and globally. 3 credits.
WMST
113, Gender, Race, and Class (satisfies social science and multicultural
requirements): large lecture taught by
Danielle Roth-Johnson, PhD. W 2:30-4:20 p.m. with M 50-minute breakout discussion
group OR one of 20+ other sections—see schedule
Interdisciplinary, cross-cultural survey of the ways in which gender
interacts with race, age, class, and sexuality to shape human consciousness and
determine the social organization of human society. 3 credits.
WMST 297, Special Topic: Radical Feminist & Queer Love,
T 2:30-5:20 p.m., Anita Tijerina Revilla, PhD.
Examines the socially constructed concept of "love" from a feminist and queer (LGBT
and sexually fluid) perspective. Texts by radical feminist, queer, and race
scholars take a theoretical look at the ways "love" functions in our individual
and collective lives. Explores the ways that contemporary poets and writers
construct and challenge the concept of love and relationships through feminist
and queer prose. Other themes of the class include the social construction of
sexuality, gender, race/ethnicity, class and nation and how these intersect with
individual/collective notions of love. 3 credits.
WMST 301, Feminist Theory: TR 1-2:15 p.m.,
Danielle Roth-Johnson, PhD
American feminist thought in its diversity, examining the differences
among liberal, radical, Marxist, socialist, psychoanalytic, and postmodern
feminisms and the challenges to each posed by women of color. Prerequisite: WMST
101 and 113. 3 credits.
WMST 476/676, Feminism and Activism: TR 8:30-9:45 a.m. , Lois Helmbold, PhD.
Presents selected activist movements across the political spectrum.
Includes nineteenth century abolitionism, women’s rights and twentieth century
socialism and feminism. Also examines movements for social change from the right
and left. Prerequisite: WMST 101 or 113. 3 credits.
WMST 477/677,Critical Race Feminism: W 1-3:45 p.m.,
Anita Tijerina Revilla, PhD
Overview of the intellectual traditions of various feminist theories
put forward by women of color, and introduction to the field of critical race
feminism. Topics to be discussed include race, ethnicity, gender, class,
sexuality, language, immigration, and labor. Using lectures, class
discussions/presentations, films, and writing assignments, we will explore the
experiences and perspectives of feminist women of color. Prerequisite: WMST 101
or 113. 3 credits.
WMST 488, Bodies, Sex, and Health: MW 11:30 a.m. - 12:45
p.m., Danielle Roth-Johnson, PhD.
This course examines the impact of social, economic,
scientific, and political issues on women’s mental and physical health. This
course is particularly recommended for students contemplating careers in
medicine, counseling, social work, or public health, and includes structural
analysis, advocacy, and ethical implications, as well as gender, race, class,
and sexuality. WMST 101 or 113. 3 credits.
WMST 497, Feminist Praxis: MW 10-11:15 a.m.
Lynn Comella, PhD.
Capstone course where majors complete a project embodying the
principles of feminist praxis and synthesize knowledge of women’s studies,
develop their own definition of feminist praxis, develop skills useful in
post-undergraduate years, define a response to patriarchy, and develop
alternative practices. Prerequisites: WMST 101, 113, 301, and 302. 4 credits.
WMST 498, Internship in Women's Studies
Students interact in a work or social setting that presents issues related
to women. Arranged in consultation with the chair of women's studies. Paperwork
required for enrollment. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing. 1-6 credits.
WMST 499, Independent Study
Independent study of special topics selected in consultation with the chair
of women's studies. Paperwork required for enrollment. May be repeated to a
maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: Consent of chair. 1-6 credits.
WMST 710, Graduate Capstone Seminar: W 4-6:45 p.m.,
Lois Helmbold, PhD.
Capstone seminar provides opportunity for students to reflect
critically on theories and methods of interdisciplinary women’s studies
scholarship and apply them either to production of knowledge in the arts,
humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences or to their practice as
psychologists, social workers, nurses, librarians, teachers, and other working
professionals. Prerequisites: WMST 701 and 702.
WMST 799, Independent Study
Independent study of special topics selected in consultation with the chair
of women's studies. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite:
Consent of chair.
Cross-Listed Elective courses:
WMST 427B Gender and Literature (Same as ENG 427B): W 4-6:45 p.m., Felicia Campbell, PhD.
WMST 428 Women and Crime (Same as CRJ 428): online, Jane Gauthier, PhD.
WMST 495 Special Topic: History of Women in Leadership (Same as HIST 495/695) T 2;30-5:15, Joanne Goodwin, PhD.
