Women's Studies

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

What is Women's Studies? What is feminism? What have been the historic roles of women in the United States? In the world? How are women's experiences similar? How do they differ? How do class, race, and ethnicity shape women's development? Any student who has ever asked her/himself any of these questions can begin to explore answers in this introductory course in Women's Studies. The interdisciplinary field of Women's Studies draws from the often neglected experience of women in order to describe, analyze, and more fully understand the gendered world order. Students will read several primary-source selections from each of the different eras of the international feminist movement, as well as complementary texts in women's history and literature. This introduction to Women's Studies will engage students in a deeply personal and academic journey that involves classroom discussion of individuals' perceptions and critiques, journal responses to both discussion and reading, and a media project analyzing cultural images of women. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

How have African-American women writers coped with invisibility? How have they emerged from silence and created visions of identity and culture? This course will examine the writings of African-American women as a separate and distinct cultural group and the ways in which their writing is an expression of the culture and a historical record of its development. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2008)

A study of the participation of women and African Americans
in the American political process. Theories of representative democracy and an introduction to the historical struggles for equal rights provide a context for the investigation of contemporary electoral politics, governance, grassroots politics, and public policy. Students examine the progress of women and African American candidates, and of related public-policy issues, throughout the current election and its immediate aftermath. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. NOTE: In order to receive African and African American Studies or Women's Studies major or minor credit, the student's major project must focus on African Americans or women, respectively.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

An introductory survey of the psycho-social aspects of family science, including an examination of functions and variations over the life cycle, diverse family forms, gender roles and power, family resources, healthy intimate relations and personal communication, and issues of parenthood. This course balances theory and personal application. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and Social Science Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

A study of the teachings on and participation of women in religion, as well as a study of the status and roles of women in several religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, or indigenous religious traditions. Religion Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2010)

This course is an exploration of voices of women in the Caribbean. We will read works by writers from the Anglo-Caribbean, French Caribbean, and Hispanic Caribbean. These writers represent the islands of Jamaica, Cuba, Guadalupe, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados. Their works investigate issues of racial configuration, relationships between women, politics, colonialism and post-colonialism, and the creation of the island space. We will look at the long, turbulent history of the island of Hispaniola from the perspective of both the Haitian and Dominican, the complex history of each of these island nations, and other important topics. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective. NOTE: Noncredit for students who took this course as GSTR 209.

1 Course

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (first offered 2009-2010)

An interdisciplinary exploration of gender and its impact on the Appalachian region. Proceeding from the assumption that cultural constructions of sex, sexuality, and gender are basic to our understandings of the world, we will investigate such topics as family and community; intimacy, violence, and power; health and reproduction; home and work; religion and spirituality; masculinity and femininity; activism and resistance in Appalachia. The diversity of Appalachian experiences will be explored through fiction and non-fiction readings, films, and discussion.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

An exploration of the rise of political liberation theology movements and their critiques of and novel contributions to traditional expressions of Christian theology. Focus on understandings of theory and praxis, race, gender, class dimensions of social analysis, and re-constructions of the concepts of Christ and God. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered Spring 2009)

This course is an introduction to the study of Environmental Justice and issues associated with access to, and equitable sharing of, the products of a healthy environment, including clean water and air, healthy food, non-toxic communities, and environmental security. The history of the environmental justice movement beginning with its foundations in the Civil Rights and Environmental movements will be studied, followed by a survey and analysis of current issues of environmental justice, particularly in relation to minority and poor communities in the United States and worldwide. Emphasis is placed on the role of women and African Americans as participants in the environmental justice movement, and the analysis of environmental justice issues in Appalachia. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed SENS 460 in Fall 2005 or Fall 2006.

1 Course

Prerequisite: HIS 101, HIS 102, OR GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

This course compares the experiences of women and men to determine how gender roles have contributed to and been shaped by the political and social history of Europe and the United States. The class is arranged topically and chronologically from the Enlightenment through the success of the parity movement in France at the beginning of the 21st century. Topics to be considered include: national revolutions, industrialization and the sexual division of labor, widening political opportunities, socialism, feminism, racism, and warfare. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and Western History Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

Selected literature by women, focusing on works written in English. Emphasis on historical background and ethnic and cultural influences. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: WST 124 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically Fall Term

A study of the Western version of the Women's Studies canon, with readings spanning the last two centuries in history, philosophy, literature, psychology, sociology, biography, and critical theory. Both old and new classic texts will be paired together to help students develop a coherent narrative about gender and sexuality over the past two hundred years. In addition, the idea of a "canon" will be raised as a problematic issue in a rapidly changing academic field. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: SOC 100 or PSY 100 or CFS 130 AND GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered 2010)

An examination of the behaviors and expectations of being male and female and the resulting relationships among men and women across the life cycle. Attention is given to current issues of gender roles and socialization, the family, education, employment, social class, and dynamics of social change.

1 Course

Prerequisite: SOC 100 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

Study of cultural influences upon family functions, structures, and behaviors, focusing on the recognition and understanding of cultural similarities and differences. Covers topics such as cross-cultural interrelationships among economy, government, religion and family; kinship systems and patterns of marital residence; cultural variations in power distribution and sex roles; differences in childrearing patterns; universal shifts from "traditional" families; and variations in roles of aging family members. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course

Prerequisite: WST 124 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

An exploration of diverse academic theories and feminist philosophies as these apply to current and historical conditions. This course will interrogate theories of gender, women's subjectivity, social identity, and political agency. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: WST 124 and senior standing; or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually (first offered Fall 2008)

A curriculum in Women's Studies offers students an opportunity to enhance their world view by investigating the contributions and experience of girls and women throughout the world. Acknowledging and understanding the status of women in the world is a process that requires practice in the identification and solution of problems. The course explores how feminist theory and methodology provide critical perspectives that lead to transformative social practices. In particular, the Senior Seminar provides students with a more in-depth exploration of Women's Studies that includes relevant personal experiences, theoretical modeling, and direct application of knowledge gained from the program (in either an academic or applied research project). In this course, students actively will determine how their education in Women's Studies will be reflected in their contributions the world.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course