WS 101 Introduction to Women's Studies

Introductory course to the interdisciplinary field of Women's Studies, to feminism, and to the issues raised by a focus on the lives of women. Special attention will be given to the areas of work, family, sexuality, body image, gender socialization, violence against women, social and economic relations, and theories about women's oppression, authority, and power. Class discussion is central in relating readings and lectures to students' everyday lives. Participation in a weekly discussion group is required.

Credits

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior. Understand how gender relates to other social categories of difference. Understand how individual experience is linked to and impacted by broader social contexts
2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live. Recognize how patterns of privilege and discrimination relate to social categories of difference and impact people’s lives. Sharpen critical thinking skills as well as civic and political literacy
3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society. Through utilization of appropriate sociological source material (texts, media, online resources). Through a variety of assignment, group exercises, media resources, projects which require linking sociological thinking and concepts to concrete experiences and histories
4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry. Intro. text chapters on theory and theorizing; conceptual frameworks; comparative methodologies in social science research; small group projects utilizing content analysis, media literacy and research, etc. Utilization of in-class small group exercise requiring the generation and evaluation of alternate theories relative to various social problems and issues
5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication. Class exercises and assignments requiring content analysis and ability to "deconstruct" media content, popular entertainment, etc.
6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively. Through use of an introduction to Women’s Studies text written by two sociologists who employ a multicultural and cross-cultural framework
7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues. Introductory text emphasizes social action as part of knowledge acquisition