What is Women's Studies?

Women’s Studies explores how being female, male, or transgendered affects individuals’ experiences in our society. We examine questions such as: 

• Why are women expected to be pretty and not smart?
• Why are men expected to be interested in sports?
• Why do little boys wrestle and fight while little girls play house or with Barbie dolls?
• How do television and other media influence our beliefs about gender?
• Have we achieved equality between males and females?
   

 

We consider historical as well as current influences on gendered patterns of behavior.Women’s Studies celebrates women’s progress and accomplishments as well as considers what else can be done to challenge gender discrimination. Although we emphasize the role of women in society, we also examine how masculinity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and class shape peoples’ experiences. All of these topics are examined from a multidisciplinary approach, allowing students the opportunity to explore the diverse experiences, perspectives, and significant contributions of women -- past, present, and cross-culturally.

What Women's Studies Has to Offer

Women's Studies is a challenging and flexible interdisciplinary major that includes an internship requirement to provide practical experience. Students get a chance to become involved in many activities and areas of inquiry. We have a dedicated faculty and small classes that promote self-awareness and active learning. Students will enjoy extra-curricular programming throughout the year including films, lectures, performances, and special events during Women's History Month.

 

 

What Topics are Covered in Women's Studies Classes?

Women's Studies classes analyze differences among women based on ethnicity, class, and sexuality. They celebrate women's accomplishments throughout history and in the present. They explore the different challenges women face today and advocate individual responsibility for social change. Topics include Women and Work, Relationships, Family and Spirituality. Other topics covered in many of our courses include women and Violence, Health, Body Politics, and Education. We consider the impact of women in roles of Leadership both currently and historically, as well as women's constributions to Art, Music, Writing, Sports, Business, Media and just about any other area of interest you can name.

Careers of Women's Studies Majors:

Graduates with degrees or minors in women's studies have a wide range of options available to them. They may choose to become Educators in many different areas, including Sexual or Domestic Abuse, Victim Advocates, Counselors or Therapists, and Human Rights Activists. Other careers students graduating from Women's Studies programs like ours pursue include Foundation or Not-For-Profit Directors, Energy Conservationists, Public Relations Specialists, Writers and Artists. With additional education a degree or minor in Women's Studies could be very helfpul for people hoping to become University Professors, Consultants, Lawyers, Doctors, Librarians and Ministers. Studying women can really help in almost any field you might want to pursue. If you have questions about a specific career, you can always ask a member of the Women's Studies faculty.

 

 

Updated 07/09/2006