Program Codes:
GENST
Minor
Housed in the departments of Anthropology, Applied Sociology, and Psychology, the gender studies minor provides students with the opportunity to learn about the impacts of and variation in gender through a multidisciplinary encounter. Although the gender studies minor builds on the university’s special history of empowering women, this is not a women’s studies minor; this minor offers an engendered program of learning and promotes a socially responsible and aware approach to all gendered social interaction through academics and service learning.
Through an appreciation of gender differences, roles and historic interactions in a variety of contexts, students enhance their ability to function in the workplace and at home. Gender is a primary organizing principle in all societies and its study continues to gain popularity across university campuses because those with a better understanding of the complexities of gender are well-rounded citizens and more marketable.
Given its cross-cultural and multidisciplinary nature, a gender studies minor can enhance employment opportunities. Individuals with this minor find employment in a variety of occupations within governmental and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and helping professions.
Working closely with their minor advisor, students will construct their seven course-minor by taking two required courses and then choose from a flexible list of electives in the departments of anthropology, criminal justice, English and world languages, history, psychology, and religious studies. Note that no more than two electives may be taken from any one department.
(6 credits)
Issues of female and male psychology are examined with a consideration of both the similarities and differences between women and men and how these characteristics influence behavior, cognitive abilities, and physical and psychological health. Theoretical perspectives on sex and gender are explored, as well as the research methods for comparing the sexes.
This interdisciplinary course will cover the theoretical foundations and history of the gender discourse, and address topics central to the discipline of gender studies. The economic, political, ideological and social forces that shape the cultural construction of gender will be discussed and the consequences examined. The discussion will also include the intersection of gender, race, and socioeconomic class, biology and gender, and the gendered body. Through a variety of exercises/discussions and works of fiction, attention will be given to the connection between gender issues and life experiences. Students will also engage with course topics via lectures, readings, and films.
Select 5 courses (15 credits)
This course is designed to survey cultural and historic variation in families. Kinship systems, as understood in anthropology, will be briefly discussed. Ethnographic case studies that bring attention to key concepts that create and maintain family forms, such as socioeconomic position, gender roles, and ethnic variability, will be read in class. Students will have the opportunity to examine topics such as sexuality, parenting, marriage/divorce, and our own values of what it means to be in a "family" in this class. Throughout the course a series of films on "the family" will be viewed, as well as lectures and group discussions of the readings. The course will end with a discussion of "family values" and family-relevant policies.
ANTH-112; ANTH-130
Examination of women writers in 19th-20th century English literature and feminist literary theory. Explores previously neglected women writers and affirms their contributions to the literary tradition. Includes writers such as Kate Chopin, and Toni Morrison.
FREN 204
Sex is the vehicle that has literally (and perhaps figuratively) allowed us to go forth, multiply, and inhabit this beautiful blue and green planet. Yet sex is so much more to us than mere propagation. Sexual pleasure, sexual desire, and sexual identities - particularly in the period that we will examine in this course - have been central to repression, oppression, and conflict; dialogues of race, gender, religion, and society; and the ways that different cultures and nations organize themselves, their communities, and their members/citizens. In this course, we will tackle many issues and topics that you may find interesting and relevant to your own experience in this world, including (but not limited to): gay and lesbian identities; sexual reproduction, abortion, and birth control; fetishism and sex toys; and state, religious, and familial interference in policing of/assertion of "appropriate" sexual expression. The course engages with narratives in North America and Europe in the twentieth-century with the expectation that students will develop a sense of change over time and a comparative framework for thinking about sex.
This course addresses the scientific findings on close relationships, including friendship, interpersonal attraction, loneliness, shyness, communication, relationship stress, sex, loss, jealously and forgiveness. The cultural and social factors - particularly gender - that affect these processes are emphasized throughout the course. This course will also emphasize the centrality of the scientific method in obtaining these findings and will train students to become discerning consumers of information about relationships and other psychological phenomena.
This course is offered by faculty members to teach special or emerging topics related to public health. The format and material will vary by topic semester and instructor. Potential topics: women’s health, sexual and reproductive health, emergency preparedness, global health nutrition, occupational epidemiology, bioterrorism, etc.
This course is designed to provide students with a knowledge base concerning human diversity from a sociological perspective. Diversity is broadly defined to encompass many aspects of social life, including gender and sexuality, social class, race and ethnicity, and ability. Students will learn how to use each of these concepts in conversation and in writing, and to view them in combination using an intersectional lens. Phenomena such as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination will be studied. The dynamics of oppression will be examined and ways to create a more just society explored.
Content determined by preference of students/professor. Focus may be on a literary movement, a century, or a genre. Group will then examine the relationships between cultural patterns and literary tendencies.
SPAN 204