Women's Gender & Sexual Studies (WGSS)

WGSS 1301. Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the growing body of research available from many disciplines (humanities, social sciences, sciences) for the study of women and men in the United States and abroad. Investigation of femininity and masculinity, as well as gender non-binary and gender non-conformity, with other categories of identity.

WGSS 489. Independent Study in WGSS. 3 Hours.

This interdisciplinary online course introduces the study of gender and sexualities and their intersections with processes of racializations in the U.S. and in global contexts. Students will explore the emergence of modern sexual and gender identities and their relationship to nation, power, and citizenship. Utilizing field criticism including women of color theory and feminisms, postcolonial feminist theory, and frameworks offered by transnational feminist/women's movements, students will examine how definitions of gender and sexuality are (de)constructed, reproduced, and (d)employed in the context of globalization. This course will challenge students to expand their feminist standpoints by building theoretical bridges across cultural and geographic borders. With an emphasis on developing the analytical skills necessary for reading this material deeply and for considering how these texts will continue to resonate beyond the scope of the course and in other humanities classrooms, students will develop a critical vocabulary for thinking about transnational and multicultural studies, in gender and sexuality, enhance their research and writing techniques, and prepare for more advanced topics in Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies.

WGSS 497. Special Topics in WGSS. 3 Hours.

Instructors will provide an organized class designed to cover areas of specific interest. Students may repeat the course when topics vary. Prerequisite: WGSS 1301.