Women & Gender Studies Course Descriptions
WMST 100 Introduction to Gender Studies and the Humanities
Description: This class introduces the central concepts of the humanities and reviews and analyzes institutions and theories that define and defend gender scripts globally. Concepts include the impact of rational, ethical living, and moral and ethical dimensions of individual responsibility in relation to humanity. Units: (3)
WMST 101 Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Description: Prerequisite: completion of General Education Category III.C.1. The perspective through which people of color have come to see themselves in terms of their own heroes, culture and contributions to societies in which they live and world society in general. (Same as Asian American Studies 101, Chicano Studies 101, Women's Studies 101) Units: (3)
WMST 205 Women's World Movements
Description: Prerequisite: General Education Category III. B. 1 or III C.1. A comparative study of various international movements that have sought and continue to seek changes in regard to the conditions and status of women. Units: (3)
WMST 302 Introduction to Intercultural Women's Studies
Description: Prerequisite: Philosophy 100, Biology 101, Psychology 100, Sociology 100, or consent of instructor. Interdisciplinary introduction to intercultural women's issues and research in relevant disciplines. (Same as Philosophy 302). Units: (3)
WMST 308 Asian American Women
Description: Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. An interdisciplinary examination of Asian and Pacific Islander American women's experience. It compares and contrasts the experience of women from various parts of Asia and explores the social, cultural, and political issues they face both in the U.S. and abroad. Units: (3)
WMST 310 Black Women in America
Description: Prerequisite: completion of General Education Category III.C.1. Issues in the study of black women in America, including social, political, economic, and intellectual development. Historical and contemporary issues as they affect black American women will be investigated. Units: (3)
WMST 312 Multicultural Identities and Women's Experience
Description: Examination of the diversity of women's experiences, focusing on both historical and contemporary analysis of African American, Asian American, Latina, and white ethnic women. Course materials include autobiography, fiction, visual and popular arts, and feminist cultural criticism. Units: (3)
WMST 313 La Chicana
Description: Prerequisite: completion of General Education category III.C.1. The cultural influences that the family, religion, economic status, and community play upon the lifestyles, the values, and the roles held by Chicanas. Units: (3)
WMST 316 Anthropology of Sex and Gender
Description: This course examines human sex and gender roles in cross-cultural perspective and the role that gender plays in human social organization. Topics covered include cultural construction of gender; homosexuality, rights of women, evolution and gender.
WMST 320 Gendered Techno-Culture
Description: Prerequisite: completion of General Education Category III.B, Introduction to Arts and Humanities. Examines current technologies and their relationship to gender issues, combining theoretical considerations with practical applications. Students will learn some basic technologies to use as tools for their projects. Units: (3)
WMST 343 Philosophy of Feminism
Description: Prerequisite: three units of philosophy or three units of women's studies. A critical examination of philosophical issues connected with "second-wave" U.S. feminism. Alternative feminist theories, goals, and reconstruction of traditional areas of philosophy. Units: (3)
WMST 350 Research, Methodology, and Writing
Description: Prerequisite: Women's Studies 302 or consent of instructor. Study and evaluation of various methodological approaches used to address gender issues, such as survey analysis, oral history, personal narrative, and ethnography. Development of research skills, including computer applications. Development of writing skills, including research papers. Units: (3)
ECON 355 Economics of Gender and Work
Description: Women's Studies 302 and Biology 101, Economics 100, Philosophy 100, Psychology 100, Sociology 100, or the equivalent, and upper division standing. An Examination of demographic trends and the analysis of changing gender roles, experiences in paid and unpaid work, education, and market discrimination. International Comparisons. Units: (3)
WMST 360 Politics of Sexuality
Description: Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. A critical examination of the cultural politics of sexuality within the United States and across national and cultural boundaries using feminist theories and methods. A focus on sexual controversies illuminates the relationship between sex, power, and social change. Units: (3)
WMST 410 Women, Health, and Aging
Description: Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Course focuses on the critical analysis of influential gendered images found in literature, painting, films, and advertising which depict disability and other health issues related to aging. (Same as Gerontology 410) Units: (3)
WMST 450 Theory, Practice, Internship, and Community Service
Description: Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Capstone Course. Two-tiered course which studies and evaluates analysis of theory and practice and which incorporates a semester long on-site community-based learning component. Applications of theory evaluated through in-class and Internet discussion and writing projects. Units: (6)
WMST 480 Feminist Theories
Description: Prerequisites: Women's Studies 302 or 343. Study of history and theories of feminism. Units: (3)
WMST 485 Women and Politics
Description: Prerequisite: Political Science 100. The changing political environment and women's role in elected, appointed and other public agencies; issues of particular concern to women, including family issues, comparable worth, and other economic issues and political participation. Not applicable for graduate degree credit. (Same as Poli Sci 485) Units: (3)
WMST 499 Independent Study
Description: Prerequisite: approval by instructor teaching a Women's Studies class, or by Coordinator of Women's Studies. An opportunity to do extended research in Women's Studies, or to link an interest in another discipline to an interest in Women's Units: (1-3)
