18studywomensAll courses in the Women’s and Gender Studies program deal specifically with human rights issues because at its core feminism and the feminist movement are committed to human rights. Courses in the program examine the history and evolution of the feminist movement and how it brought attention to and continues to advocate for the basic human rights of all individuals in society, including women, minorities, and marginalized groups. Current debates in human rights issues relating to sexual orientation, race, and class are fundamental aspects of the course work within the program. Faculty in the program bring to the courses a deep understanding of the history of women’s culture, gender roles, and the injustices faced by marginal groups in society, and the historical, social, and political contexts surrounding such issues. Faculty are not only involved in the critique of existing inequitable political, social and cultural institutions, but they are also helping to construct new inclusive models to address fundamental forms of discrimination that continue to exist in our society, despite legislative and legal guarantees against them. Students are provided the opportunity to explore fundamental questions in human rights dialogues while appreciating the historical and social contexts of human rights movements. Students are encouraged to enroll in courses addressing gender issues in departments across the University including Anthropology, Political Studies, History, Native Studies, Art, Nursing, and Music.

For more information, including registration details, contact the Women’s and Gender Studies Program.

Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies in the Humanities (WOMN 1500)

Examination of the central concerns of women and gender in the Humanities. A focus on representation, voice, knowledge, and subjectivity.

Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies in the Social Sciences (WOMN 1600)

Examination of women’s historical and contemporary roles in the economy, family, and society from the perspective of the social sciences. Introduction of feminist theories, with emphasis on the role of gender. Topics covered focus on the social conditions of women’s lives: work, health, violence and organizing for change.

Feminist Thought (WOMN 2000) 

Survey of the varieties of historical and contemporary feminist ideas.