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case western reserve university

Women's & Gender Studies

 

Course Description

ASTR 188 / WMST 188: On Being A Scientist
This course is intended to convey the excitement of doing science. Classes will focus on the question "What makes a good Scientist?" using weekly discussion of articles chosen from the "Science Times" and journals such as Science and Nature. It will build vital oral communication skills via a discussion of the broader context and implications of the science discussed. The course will be offered as part of WISer, the Case Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable, to help build a supportive community of science students to enhance women's participation and retention in science. Male students are welcome to register

ETHS 251: Introduction to the Study of Race and Ethnicity
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of ethnicity and cultural concepts of biological differences ("race"). Basic concepts such as race, gender, class, and identity will be examined as will the social and cultural means of their construction.  Students are encouraged to use the tools, and perspectives of several disciplines to address the experiences of ethnic groups in the U.S.

ETHS 252 B: Introduction to Latino/a Studies
Interdisciplinary introduction to the basis for a Latino/a ethnicity through an exploration of commonalities and differences in the peoples of Latin American and Caribbean origin in the continental United States . Topics include immigration and acculturation experiences and their commonalities and differences, comparison of Latina/o experiences to those of other racial, ethnic and immigrant groups, and the potential for a pan-ethnic identity. 

ETHS 318: History of Black Women in U.S
Chronologically arranged around specific issues in black women's history organizations, participation in community and political movements, labor experiences, and expressive culture. The course will use a variety of materials, including autobiography, literature, music, and film.

ETHS 335: Women in Developing Countries
This course will feature case studies, theory, and literature of current issues concerning women in developing countries primarily of the French-speaking world.  Topics include matriarchal traditions and FGM in Africa, the Tunisian feminist movement, women, Islam, and tradition in the Middle East, women-centered power structures in India (Kerala,Pondichéry), and poverty and women in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.  Guest speakers and group projects are a highlight of the course. Taught in English. 

HSTY 353: Women in American History I
The images and realities of women's social, political, and economic lives in early America. Uses primary documents and biographers to observe individuals and groups of women in relation to legal, religious, and social restrictions.

HSTY 373/473: Advanced Topics in Women's History
This advanced seminar is designed to allow students to inves, tigate aspects of American women's history that are not deep, ly explored in other courses. The two central purposes of t, he course are to move students forward in their study of Ame, rican women's history and to provide advanced study for grad, uate students and other students interested in women-focused, topics. The topic is subject to change, but may be any of, the following or something similar: women and medicine, imag, es of women in popular culture, growing up female, women and, political movements, women and war, etc., Prereq: HSTY 353/453 or HSTY 354/454 or consent of the depar, tment.]

NURS 454: Well Woman Health Care
Study of selected theoretical formulations and models applied by professional nurses in the promotion of growth and wellness in adolescent and adult women. Emphasis on conception, decision making, sexuality and health teaching. Acquisition of knowledge and skill related to physical and psychosocial health assessment of pregnant and nonpregnant clients. Individually planned experiences with nurse faculty who are serving as primary care givers in maternity, family planning and gynecologic care settings.
Prereq or Coreq: NURS 453 and 459

PHIL 334 / POSC 354: Social and Political Philosophy
Justification of social institutions, primarily political ones. Such distinctions as that between de facto and legitimate authority; analysis of criteria for evaluation, such as social justice and equality; inquiry into theories of justification of the state; theory of democratic government and its alternatives. Readings from classical and contemporary sources.
Prerequisite: PHIL 101

POSC 346: Women and Politics
Examination of the role of women in politics.  Topics include: political socialization; sources and implications of gender difference in political participation (voting, candidacy, leadership); and the politics of "women's issues."

RLGN 207: Religion and Feminism
Examination of feminist perspectives on religion, such as the status of women in Western and non-Western religions, the nature and purpose of religious beliefs and practices from the standpoints of religious and non-religious feminists, the current status of feminist philosophies of religion, and the efforts of feminists to transform traditional religions and to create new religions.

SOCI 222 / WMST 222 : Gender in U.S. Society
The focus of this course is on unique and convergent experiences of men and women in U.S. society. Different social expectations and opportunities encountered by men and women in the context of marriage and the family, work settings, and in informal organizations will be addressed. Legislation and social policy dealing with gender issues will be considered.

SOCI 372 / WMST 372: Work & Family--U.S. & Abroad
Covers the impact on human lives of the interface between work and family; the different ways gender structures the experience of work and family depending upon racial and ethnic background, social class, age, and partner preference; the impact of historical context on work-family experiences; work-family policies in the United States and other countries.
Prerequisite: SOCI112B and junior or senior standing.

SPAN 336: CHICANA/O LITERATURE
An introduction to Chicana/o literature written after 1943. Literary history, clarification of linguistic terminology, and an examination of the cultural components of each work. Readings , discussions, and lectures in Spanish.

SPAN 342: Latin American Feminist Voices
Examination of the awakening of feminine and feminist consciousness in the literary production of Latin American women writers, particularly from the 1920s to the present. Close attention paid to the dominant themes of love and dependency; imagination as evasion; alienation and rebellion; sexuality and power; the search for identity and the self-preservation of subjectivity. Readings include prose, poetry, and dramatic texts of female Latin American writers contributing to the emerging of feminist ideologies and the mapping of feminist identities.
Prerequisite: SPAN 320

SSBT 555; Undergard # SASS 350: Women's Issues
This course examines the circumstances of women?Js lives in the United States, the major issues confronting women today, and introduces theoretical explanations for the social and cultural expectations presented to women. Emphasis is placed on the intersection of gender, race, class, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation in the lives of girls and women. We will explore ameliorative measures and solutions, individual, collective, and within social work practice, to the social problems that women face.

WLIT 365 / GRMN 365: German Literature in Translation: The Bildungsroman
Investigates the genre known by its German term: Bildungsroman.  Major novels: The Jews' Beech Tree, Sorrows of Young Werther, Tin Drum, Green Henry, History of Lady Sophie Sternheim, Buddenbrooks, A Model Childhood and some short prose.  Readings and discussion in English.

WLIT 390/ 490: Women in Outer Space
What's out there? Who's out there? Is the truth out there? Is truth a woman? What do women want? What do aliens want? What does NASA want? Is there water on Mars? Are there women on Mars? Do aliens have a gender?

WMST 201: Intro to Gender Studies
WMST 201 introduces students (male and female) to the concepts, methods, and topics of gender studies, women's studies, and feminist theory.  An interdisciplinary course, it covers approaches used in literary criticism, history, philosophy, political science, sociology, psychology, film studies, and cultural studies.  It is the required introductory course for students taking the Women's Studies minor or major, but it is designed to include all students interested in learning.

WMST 396: SAGES Capstone
The capstone experience in the fields of Women's and Gender Studies allows for an in-depth, independent project of particular interest to the student. Students are strongly encouraged to work with a WMST program faculty member, but some projects may be supervised by faculty in other areas or by other qualified professionals. All capstones require a WMST faculty advisor's approval of the proposal prior to registration. Open to juniors and seniors majoring in Women's and Gender Studies.

WMST 399: Independent Study
This course is an independent research project in the fields of Women's and Gender Studies. Project proposals must be approved by a WMST faculty advisor. Students are strongly encouraged to work with a WMST program faculty member, but some projects may be supervised by faculty in other areas or by other qualified professionals with a WMST faculty advisor's approval. Credit varies with the scope and depth of the project.