Gender and Women's Studies (GWS)

GWS 101. Gender in Everyday Life. 3 hours.

An interdisciplinary introduction to GWS that draws on the humanities and social sciences. Emphasizes intersections of gender, race, sexuality, class, and nation. Addresses historical and contemporary debates, focusing primarily on U.S. concerns. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Discussion/Recitation and one Lecture. Individual and Society course, and US Society course.

GWS 102. Global Perspectives on Women and Gender. 3 hours.

An interdisciplinary introduction to Gender and Women's Studies that draws on the humanities and social sciences. Emphasizes intersections among gender, race, sexuality, class and nation. Addresses historical and contemporary debates, focusing primarily on global concerns. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Discussion/Recitation and one Lecture. Individual and Society course, and World Cultures course.

GWS 120. Study of Gender, Class, and Political Issues in German Texts. 3 hours.

Portrayal of relationships between men and women, classes, and political interest groups in German literature. Course Information: Same as GER 120. No credit toward a major or minor program offered by the Department of Germanic Studies. Readings, lectures, and discussions in English. Individual and Society course, and World Cultures course.

GWS 192. Latin American Women Writers in Translation. 3 hours.

Introduction to literature by Latin American women from the seventeenth century to the present. Focus on the role literature has played in the negotiation of gender identities in the private and the public spheres. Course Information: Same as LALS 192, and SPAN 192. No credit toward any major or minor program in Spanish. Taught in English. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture and one Discussion. Individual and Society course, and World Cultures course.

GWS 202. Comparative Social Movements. 3 hours.

International social movements involving issues of women, gender, and sexuality. Content varies. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): GWS 101 or GWS 102 or consent of the instructor.

GWS 203. Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies. 3 hours.

LGBTQ studies; current personal, political, and cultural issues, including: coming out, hate crimes, transgender communities, queer of color critique, military, AIDS, families, religion, activism, representations in literature, film, and media.

GWS 204. Gender and Popular Culture. 3 hours.

Analysis of representations of gender and sexuality in popular and material culture, using contemporary theories. Focus is on US popular culture. Course Information: Same as COMM 204. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or above; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Credit or concurrent registration in GWS 101 or Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102 or Credit or concurrent registration in GWS 102 or Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 103. Individual and Society course, and US Society course.

GWS 205. Disability, Race, Class and Gender. 3 hours.

Invites students to engage in a critical dialogue around disability, race, class and gender through an intersectional and interdisciplinary frame of analysis. Course Information: Same as DHD 205. Individual and Society course.

GWS 211. Sex and Gender in the Ancient World. 3 hours.

An exploration of the construction of gender and its relationship to love and sexuality in the ancient world through literature and art. Course Information: Same as CL 211. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or above.

GWS 224. Gender and Society. 3 hours.

Sociological perspectives on gender as a factor in social stratification; gender role acquisition; individual and social consequences of changing social definitions of gender roles. Course Information: Same as SOC 224. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100 or GWS 101 or GWS 102. Individual and Society course, and US Society course.

GWS 232. Sex Roles: Moral and Political Issues. 3 hours.

Philosophical inquiry into controversies surrounding the changing roles of men and women. Course Information: Same as PHIL 232. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Discussion/Recitation and one Lecture.

GWS 238. Biology of Women. 3 hours.

An evolutionary perspective on the biology of women from conception to menopause, in light of current research on genetics, hormones, and development. Topics include sexual differentiation, sex differences, and life history. Course Information: Same as ANTH 238. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in ANTH 105; or consent of the instructor. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture and one Discussion. Individual and Society course, and Natural World - No Lab course.

GWS 240. Music, Gender and Culture. 3 hours.

Examination of the intersection of music, gender and sexuality in different historical periods and cultures. Study of music's role in the formation and expression of gender identity in classical and popular music. Course Information: Same as MUS 240. Creative Arts course, and Individual and Society course.

GWS 244. Women in Russian Literature. 3 hours.

Major works by and about women in Russian literature: experiences of women and societal attitudes toward them. Course Information: Same as RUSS 244. Taught in English. Creative Arts course, and World Cultures course.

GWS 245. Introduction to Gender, Sexuality and Literature. 3 hours.

Introduction to literary texts in Western and other traditions that explore issues of gender and sexuality. Course Information: Same as ENGL 245. Creative Arts course, and Individual and Society course.

GWS 247. Women and Literature. 3 hours.

Introduction to reading English, American, and global literature in English with a focus on gender, genre, and women's representation and authorship. Course Information: Same as ENGL 247. Previously listed as ENGL 111. Creative Arts course, and Individual and Society course.

GWS 248. Afro Asian Solidarities. 3 hours.

An exploration of the radical possibilities of transnational alliances and the long history of cross-racial solidarities between Asia and Africa, Asians and Africans, both globally and in the U.S. Course Information: Same as ANTH 248 and GLAS 248. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in ENGL 161. US Society course, and World Cultures course.

GWS 252. Sexuality in America: Historical Perspectives. 3 hours.

Sexuality as a force in U.S. history. Topics include Victorianism, marriage and courtship, sexual subcultures, censorship and purity crusades, popular culture, and various "sexual revolutions." Course Information: Same as HIST 252. Past course, and US Society course.

GWS 255. Introduction to Middle East and Muslim Feminisms. 3 hours.

An introduction to Middle East and Muslim feminisms that draws on the social sciences. Emphasizes intersections of family, religion, nation, colonialism, militarism, gender, and sexuality. Course Information: Same as ANTH 255 and GLAS 255. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the English Composition requirement. World Cultures course.

GWS 259. Women and Gender in American History. 3 hours.

Cultural, social, economic developments of gender relationships and women's lives from the seventeenth century to the present; political and ideological responses; feminism. Course Information: Same as HIST 259. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 161; or consent of the instructor. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture and one Discussion/Recitation. Past course, and US Society course.

GWS 261. Reading Black Women Writing. 3 hours.

Examines inscriptions of race, gender, class, and sexuality as they shape the literary and critical practices of black women writers. Course Information: Same as BLST 261 and ENGL 261. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in a 100-level Black Studies or African American literature course; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 262. Constructions of Gender, Race, Health, and Human Rights. 3 hours.

Explores issues at the intersections of gender, race, and sexuality through the lens of health in both U.S. and non-U.S. contexts. Course Information: Same as ANTH 262. Prerequisite(s): GWS 101 or GWS 102; and sophomore standing or above; or consent of the instructor. Individual and Society course, and World Cultures course.

GWS 263. Asian American Gender and Sexual Diversity. 3 hours.

Introductory, cross-disciplinary examination of issues related to gender and sexuality among Asian Americans, with critical attention paid to diverse experiences across various social and political contexts. Course Information: Same as GLAS 263. Previously listed as ASAM 263. Prerequisite(s): ASAM 123 or ASAM 125 or GWS 101 or GWS 102. Individual and Society course, and US Society course.

GWS 272. Race, Gender, and Sexuality. 3 hours.

Explores how Black feminist and queer intellectual work on race, gender and sexuality has been used to radically reimagine what a just world would look like. Course Information: Same as BLST 272. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in ENGL 161. Individual and Society course, and US Society course.

GWS 275. Gender in Latin America. 3 hours.

Latin American women in historical perspective from pre-Columbian and Iberian societies to the present. Course Information: Same as LALS 275 and POLS 275. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture and one Discussion/Recitation. Past course, and World Cultures course.

GWS 276. Latinas in the United States. 3 hours.

Socioeconomic conditions and cultural experiences of Latinas in the U.S. Historical and contemporary views of labor, health, education, family, identity formation and leadership. Course Information: Same as LALS 276, and SOC 226. Grade of C or better in ENGL 160; Grade of C or better or concurrent registration in ENGL 161. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture and one Discussion. Individual and Society course, and US Society course.

GWS 290. Topics in the Study of Sexuality. 3 hours.

Exploration of a topic concerning the subject of sexuality. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term.

GWS 292. History and Theories of Feminism. 3 hours.

An introduction to feminist theory and practice throughout the world from the 19th century to the present. Course Information: Same as HIST 292. Recommended background: GWS 101 or GWS 102.

GWS 294. Topics in Gender and Women's Studies. 1-3 hours.

Study of a problem, topic, or issue relevant to the interdisciplinary area of gender and women's studies. Content varies. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor or one gender and women's studies course.

GWS 304. Gender and Communcation. 3 hours.

Speech differences and universals across genders. Talk in male-female interaction. Communication in romantic relationships. Gender issues in work settings. Course Information: Same as COMM 304. Prerequisite(s): COMM 200 and COMM 201; or GWS 204.

GWS 311. Gender and Sexuality in Early Christianity and Judaism. 3 hours.

Examination of the root of contemporary perspectives on gender and sexuality in the early traditions of Judaism and Christianity including the Bible, the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Church Fathers, the Talmud, and legends of the saints. Course Information: Same as JST 311 and RELS 311.

GWS 315. Psychology of Women and Gender. 3 hours.

Critical examination of research on women and gender across the life span, including psychological aspects of reproduction, and the way that gender shapes cognition, sexuality, family, friendship, and work experiences. Course Information: Same as PSCH 315. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in PSCH 242 or consent of the instructor.

GWS 344. Gender Theory. 3 hours.

Survey of theories of gender in culture. Course Information: Same as ENGL 344. Previously listed as GWS 361. Recommended background: Any of ENGL 207-209, ENGL 245, or GWS 101-102.

GWS 345. Queer Theory. 3 hours.

Survey of theoretical concerns and historical issues that inform and shape the field of queer studies. Course Information: Same as ENGL 345. Previously listed as GWS 362. Recommended background: Any of ENGL 207-209, ENGL 245, or GWS 203.

GWS 347. Gender and Sexuality in Literature. 3 hours.

A survey of works that take the status of gender and sexuality as one of their central thematic or aesthetic concerns. Course Information: Same as ENGL 347. Previously listed as GWS 363. Recommended background: Any of ENGL 207-209, ENGL 247, or GWS 101-102.

GWS 356. Constitutional Law: Women, Gender and Privacy. 3 hours.

A multidisciplinary examination of U.S. constitutional law and politics in shaping issues of gender, privacy, race, and sexual orientation; including reproduction, labor, sexual harassment, political participation, and women and crime. Course Information: Same as BLST 356, and POLS 356. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in POLS 101 or grade of C or better in POLS 112 or grade of C or better in BLST 100 or grade of C or better in BLST 103 or grade of C or better in GWS 101; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 390. Feminism and Social Change. 3 hours.

An examination of the historical development of feminist models of social change, as well as strategies of contemporary feminist activism. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): GWS 101 and GWS 102 and GWS 292; and junior standing or above.

GWS 394. Intermediate Topics in Gender and Women's Studies. 3 hours.

Study of a problem, topic or issue relevant to the interdisciplinary area of gender and women's studies at the intermediate level. Content varies. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor or one course in gender and women's studies.

GWS 396. Independent Study/Research. 1-3 hours.

Independent study or research in specialized area of women's studies or gender-related scholarship. Extensive reading and individual research projects. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and consent of the instructor. Class Schedule Information: This course counts toward the limited number of independent study hours accepted toward the degree and the major.

GWS 403. Queer Histories. 3 or 4 hours.

Lesbian/gay studies; issues in the history of (homo)sexuality; cultural and historical analysis of same-sexuality in several periods, including our own. Course Information: Same as HIST 403. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of the instructor.

GWS 404. Disability, Sexuality, and Health. 3 or 4 hours.

Explores how political, social, and cultural systems as well as historical contexts shape understandings and experiences of disability, sexuality, and health. Course Information: Same as DHD 404. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 406. Topics in Black Feminist and Queer Studies. 3 or 4 hours.

Advanced study of topics related to theories of race, gender and sexuality with a specific focus on black feminist and queer studies. Topics may vary. Course Information: Same as BLST 406. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above and one 100-level course in Black Studies or one 100-level course in Gender and Women’s Studies; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 407. Advanced Seminar in Queer and Trans Studies. 3 or 4 hours.

Advanced interdisciplinary seminar at the nexus of queer and trans studies, with a focus on the intellectual and social struggles for liberation at the intersection of race, sexuality, nation, class, indigeneity, and gender self-determination. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): GWS 101 and GWS 102; or GWS 203; or graduate standing. Recommended background: GWS 403.

GWS 408. Global Black Feminisms. 3 or 4 hours.

Examines transnational, Third Wave and Third World Black feminist approaches to global politics from historical and contemporary perspectives with a particular emphasis on the late 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Course Information: Same as BLST 408 and LALS 408. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Recommended background: Undergraduate students: at least three credit hours in BLST or GWS or LALS.

GWS 409. Women and Gender in the Middle East. 3 or 4 hours.

Advanced interdisciplinary seminar examining issues of women and gender in the Middles East and Muslim societies. Historical and contemporary analyses, case studies with regional and transnational focus. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): GWS 255; or graduate standing; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 410. Race, Gender and Representation: Black Bodies in Media and Mass Culture. 3 or 4 hours.

Examines the ideological, cultural and economic structures that shape the representation of Black subjects in performance, visual arts, and mass media, paying close attention to gender and sexuality. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Same as BLST 410 and COMM 410. Recommended background: Three or more credit hours in Black Studies or consent of the instructor.

GWS 419. Public Health Aspects of Sexuality and Women's Health. 3 hours.

An overview of human sexuality from a public health perspective with special emphasis on family planning, sexuality and behavioral effects on women's health. Course Information: Same as CHSC 419. Prerequisite(s): Graduate or professional standing; or approval of the department.

GWS 424. Gender, Crime, and Justice. 3 or 4 hours.

An in-depth examination of the etiology of female crime and the involvement of females in the criminal justice system as offenders, victims, and workers/professionals. Course Information: Same as CLJ 424. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level CLJ courses; junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 425. Sociology of Gender. 3 or 4 hours.

Variety and change in gender roles; patterns and consequences of gender inequality; gender and sexuality; gender and social institutions such as family, economy. Course Information: Same as SOC 424. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): SOC 224, or any 100 or 200-level GWS course and an additional 200 or 300-level elective in sociology or gender and women studies; Junior standing or above; or graduate standing; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 428. Asian/Asian American Women in the Global Economy. 3 or 4 hours.

Examines the racialization and feminization of a global division of labor and focuses primarily on Asian and Asian American women's participation and incorporation as workers and key actors in the development of the global economy. Course Information: Same as GLAS 428 and SOC 428. 3 undergraduate hours; 4 graduate hours.Previously listed as ASAM 428. Prerequisite(s): At least one GLAS or GWS or SOC course; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 438. Women in South Asian History. 3 or 4 hours.

A study of the diversity of women's experiences in South Asia in a range of social, cultural, and religious contexts from the ancient period to the present. Course Information: Same as GLAS 438 and HIST 438. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of History or consent of the instructor.

GWS 439. Gender and Cultural Production. 3 or 4 hours.

Issues of gender representation and gender politics examined through the use of theoretical texts or through the study of women authors. Course Information: Same as CEES 439 and GER 439. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 1 time(s) if topics vary. Taught in English. Students who intend to use GER 439/GWS 439 toward a degree offered by the Department in Germanic Studies will do assignments in German. Area: Literature/Culture. Prerequisite(s): GER 212 or consent of the instructor.

GWS 440. Language and Gender. 3 or 4 hours.

Examination of sociolinguistic research and theories on the interrelationships between language and gender, including gender categories in linguistic systems, gender differences in language use, interaction, and cross-cultural comparisons. Course Information: Same as LING 440. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Previously listed as GWS 540. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 443. Topics in Gender, Sexuality and Literature. 3 or 4 hours.

Specific study of topics in gender and literature. Content varies. Course Information: Same as ENGL 443. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 1 time(s). Recommended background: Any of ENGL 207-209, 245, 247, 344, 345, or 347, or GWS 101-102. Junior standing or above.

GWS 444. Topics in Theories of Gender and Sexuality. 3 or 4 hours.

Advanced study of topics related to theories of gender and sexuality. Course Information: Same as ENGL 444. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 1 time(s). Recommended background: Any of ENGL 207-209, 245, 247, 344, 345, 347 or GWS 101-102. Junior standing or above.

GWS 449. Women and Film. 3 or 4 hours.

Roles and representations of women in classical Hollywood, European art and independent feminist cinemas. Course Information: Same as AH 449 and ENGL 449. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Previously listed as GWS 472. Recommended background: Any of ENGL 330, 344, 345, or 347. Junior standing or above.

GWS 455. Advanced Seminar in Feminism and Justice. 3 or 4 hours.

Advanced interdisciplinary seminar on feminist theories of social justice, histories of freedom movements, and intersectional feminist theories and analyses of justice that ignited these movements. Topics will vary. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours of credit for undergraduates, or 8 hours of credit for graduate students. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite(s): GWS 101 and GWS 102. Recommended Background: SJ 101 or SJ 201.

GWS 458. Asian America and Transnational Feminism. 3 or 4 hours.

Advanced, cross-disciplinary examination of feminism among Asian Americans from critical race and decolonizing perspectives and in a transnational context. Course Information: Same as GLAS 458. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): At least one GLAS or GWS course; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 462. AIDS, Politics and Culture. 3 or 4 hours.

Introduction to the study of AIDS as a medical, social, political and cultural construction. Explores the epidemiology of AIDS, the politics of the state¿s response, how activists have addressed AIDS, and media representations of AIDS. Course Information: Same as HIST 462. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): GWS 101 or GWS 102 or GWS 203 or GWS 214 and junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 463. Politics of Gender and Sexuality in Asian America. 3 or 4 hours.

Advanced, cross-disciplinary examination of issues related to gender and sexuality among Asian Americans, with critical attention paid to feminist and queer perspectives on the politics of representation and identity construction. Course Information: Same as GLAS 463. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Previously listed as ASAM 463.

GWS 469. Women's Literary Traditions. 3 or 4 hours.

An exploration of issues such as the female aesthetic; women's popular literature; factors that enable creativity; differences of race and class. Course Information: Same as ENGL 469. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 361 or ENGL 362 or ENGL 363; and senior standing or above; or consent of instructor.

GWS 478. Women in Chinese History. 3 or 4 hours.

Focuses on scholarship on women in Chinese society throughout history, dealing with topics such as marriage and family, literacy, career options, women in revolution and the historiography of the field. Course Information: Same as ASST 478, and HIST 478. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Recommended background: Previous course work in Chinese history or women's studies.

GWS 484. Topics in the History of Women. 3 or 4 hours.

Specific topics are announced each term. Course Information: Same as HIST 484. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of history or gender and women's studies or consent of the instructor.

GWS 485. Gender and Politics. 3 or 4 hours.

Impact of gender on basic categories of western political thought. Distinctions between reason and emotion, public and private, among others, examined from feminist perspective. Course Information: Same as POLS 485. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): POLS 190 and one 200-level course in political theory; or consent of the instructor.

GWS 490. Advanced Topics in the Study of Sexuality. 3 or 4 hours.

Special study at an advanced level of a topic concerning sexuality. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of gender and women's studies, or consent of the instructor.

GWS 494. Advanced Topics in Gender and Women's Studies. 3 or 4 hours.

Specialized study of a problem, topic or issue relevant to the interdisciplinary area of gender and women's studies at the advanced level. Content varies. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Senior or graduate standing.

GWS 496. Independent Study. 1-3 hours.

Individual advanced reading or research in Gender and Women's Studies, under the supervision of a faculty member. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): GWS 101 and GWS 102; and consent of the instructor. Recommended background: GWS 292 and GWS 390.