Current Courses (Fall 2009)Women Today (WOS 225) This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the field of women’s studies. You will learn about historical and contemporary experiences of oppression and privilege, which affect women and men’s lives on a daily basis. The readings include both classic and recent statements about gender and feminism, race, class, sexuality, and nationality from a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives. A large section of this class demonstrates how to apply theoretical ideas towards positive social and personal change. I will discuss and encourage you to discuss these connections. There are no prerequisites, and students from all majors are encouraged to enroll. Sexual Identity and Culture (WOS 276) This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the meanings attached to human sexuality. We will examine historical, sociological, anthropological, scientific, political, and cultural constructions of sexual identity, and will explore the intersections between theories of sexual identity and theories of gender, class, race, ethnicity, age, and nationality. We will learn about the many ways men and women have expressed their sexualities through history, and theorize about the terminology used to describe that human desire. We will read and discuss studies of sexuality formation, identity, love, and desire along with the relationship of these constructs to language, family, community, and culture. This course title considers sexuality to be a fluid part of a larger continuum and thus, includes forms of sexuality beyond the culturally constructed bounds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues. In using the title “Sexual Identity and Culture,” the course will advance scholarly understanding of a variety of sexualities, rather than confining itself to the parameters of those forms of sexuality that have been stereotyped through years of judicial, political, social, and cultural prejudice. Intellectual Roots of Western Feminism (WOS 305) The course examines the major issues and themes that have historically been included in feminist theorizing about women’s situation and experiences, including: ethical foundations, the origins of patriarchy, feminist epistemology, education, body issues, issues of difference, religion, civil rights, and psychological development. Chronologically, the course examines texts from the Enlightenment (Mary Wollstonecraft’s Vindication of the Rights of Woman) through Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex. Third World Women (WOS 315) This course provides an interdisciplinary view of women’s experience cross-culturally and internationally, with particular reference to the Third World. It analyzes similarities and differences among women of different cultures, races, classes, and political backgrounds; examines global patriarchal structures, as well as women’s participation in, and resistance to their oppression; discusses the underlying ideology, as well as its consequences in action, vis-à-vis women, of national and international governmental agencies and development planners; and ultimately, seeks to inquire how we all might work toward a more egalitarian world. Women and Film (CLS 304) This course introduces you to the rich body of film directed by women from the beginnings of cinema. We will seek to watch feminist film from diverse traditions and attempt to read them within the context of the social and cinematic codes that influenced them. Visuality, what it means for women, for our gendered understandings of culture, for our myths, will be central to our discussions. As a conduit to apprehending the relationship between women and visuality you will be exposed to feminist film theory. This is introductory in nature, but will enable you to study feminist film theory further, and will enrich your viewing of many visual texts. Women in Music (MHL 312) This class is an introduction to the study of women, gender, and music in western culture. In it we will examine the historical conditions in which women have exercised musicianship as composers, performers, patrons, and teachers of music; read feminist music criticism and apply it to the analysis of compositions composed by women; explore musical representations of gender difference and sexuality; and consider gendered constructions of music and the role that they play in the creation of personal identities. Class discussion, integrated listening assignments, and written work will emphasize the development of critical listening and analytical skills as a means of developing a fuller appreciation and a clearer understanding of the music most traditionally associated with gender issues. Psychology of Women (PSY 365) This course offers an in-depth study of women’s behavior and experience, including exploration of the determinants of women’s actions, thoughts, and feelings, and implications for creating change. The course is writing emphasis and therefore includes a focus on developing students’ writing abilities. Key objectives for students: Gain exposure to feminist psychology, its key terms and concepts; Explore the psychological underpinnings and implications of sexism; Understand the intersection of sexism with other oppressions, such as racism and classism; Consider what is common and what is unique about women’s behavior and experience across diverse circumstances; Acquire a working knowledge of psychological models for conceptualizing the psychology of women, such as Oppression-Focused, Cognitive, Biological, and Social Learning; Learn about how psychologists study women’s lives; Integrate the above-outlined components into small group and class discussions, class presentations, field work, written exams, and written analyses; Develop skill in writing formal analyses and informal journal entries on issues related to the psychology of women. Gender, Labor, and Globalization (SOC 366) Through critical reading and thinking, study and reflection, discussion and writing, and active class participation, we will analyze how the experiences of international care and sex workers change mainstream definitions of work, family, immigration, and globalization. We will examine the following theories and topics: 1. Intersectionality theory to study gender and other social constructs such as race, nation, sexuality, and class; 2. Workings of race, gender, class, and nation: the push and pull factors of feminized immigration; 3. Public work and private work 4. Emotional labor and the commodification of care and sex 5. Exploitation and the global exchange of emotion, care, love, and sex 6. Citizenship: rights, protection, and responsibilities 7. Social, political, and economic “solutions” and problems, such as guest worker programs and workers’ experiences of exploitation 8. Worker resistance, advocacy, and transnational union organizing. Race and Gender in American Theatre (THA 250) In this course we take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and gender through American theatre. This course draws on theories, texts, and methods from fields of theatre, film studies, sociology, women’s studies, race studies, literary studies, and psychoanalysis. As is necessary for any discussion of race, we also consider the roles of nationality and class in American theatre; and, as is necessary for any discussion on gender, we also consider the roles of sexual orientation and queer identity. Further, by the end of the course we will understand why these various identity categories can only be fully understood when considered in relationship to each other, through what is known as intersectionality. In other words, we can never truly understand racism in America without also understanding sexism, and visa versa. We will also understand why theatre has been and continues to be so important to the study and expression of identity.