This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uwgb.edu.

Women's Studies (WOST)

Courses

WOST 102. Women's Voices. 3 Credits.

An introductory and interdisciplinary humanities course drawing upon diverse texts and methodologies representative of the following humanities disciplines: art, philosophy, religious studies, music, film, history, literature, feminist theory, cultural studies, media studies, and performance art/drama. Students will examine multicultural readings ranging from creative nonfiction, essays, feminist theory, philosophical reflection, fiction, poetry, historical accounts, drama, cultural critique, feminist analysis, memoir, visual arts, letters, diaries, and others to build an understanding of the multiple scholarly approaches in the humanities to the study of women's lives.

WOST 198. First Year Seminar. 3 Credits.

First Year Seminar, topics vary.
Reserved for New Incoming Freshman.

WOST 201. Introduction to LGBTQ Studies. 3 Credits.

This course will provide an introduction into Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Studies. Considering LGBTQ Studies as an interdisciplinary field, this course will focus on how the central concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity work within history, politics, literature, technology, art, music, philosophy, education, and psychology. Throughout this course, students will work towards a deep understanding of the intersectional dynamics of privilege and oppression as they relate to LGBTQ individuals and culture by exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals and their families.
P: ENG COMP 105 or conc enr.

WOST 203. Women in Popular Culture. 3 Credits.

In this course, we will examine ways gender has been portrayed and are currently portrayed in the media, in television and movies, popular music, internet, print sources like magazines, popular fiction, and newspapers, and other cultural artifacts. With readings ranging from critical theory to popular fiction, we will speculate on the impact of and source for popular portrayals of women in particular and the social construction of gender, race, and other social categories. The course will also encourage students to question agency in the creation and consumption of mass culture. Issues of race, class, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability will be important as we explore and critically examine the forms and functions of popular culture.

WOST 205. Women in Literature. 3 Credits.

Surveys both women as writers and women as characters in literature, as well as the representation of gender and sexuality in literature. Concerned with literature from two or more cultures. Writers may include Mary Shelley, Audre Lorde, Herculine Barbin, Marjane Satrapi, and Alison Bechdel. Course is not repeatable for credit.
Fall Only.

WOST 206. Fertility, Reproduction, and Family Planning. 3 Credits.

Factors that influence reproduction and fertility, i.e., physiological, psychological, social, cultural, and ethical; the methods available for limiting or increasing reproduction; the nature of family planning programs.
P: HUM BIOL 102 or BIOLOGY 201/202.
Fall and Spring.

WOST 238. Sociological Perspectives on Gender. 3 Credits.

A sociological examination of roles assigned to women and men in society, including the experiences of marriage, parenthood, employment and occupational attainment. Pays particular attention to gender role socialization and its cultural reinforcement, to patterns of gender relations and to ongoing changes.

WOST 241. Introduction to Women's & Gender Studies. 3 Credits.

Interdisciplinary introduction to the study of gender, including identity, expression, and sexuality; the influence of gender on social institutions and structures; and an intersectional examination of women, men, and LGBTQ+ lives in the United States historically and today.
Fall and Spring.

WOST 247. Latin American and Latina Women. 3 Credits.

This course will examine the lives and literary works of Latin American and Latina women within Latin American society and in the US. Particular attention will be given to the roles assigned to these women by patriarchal cultures and to the stereotypes that have influenced their lives. This course will examine how Latin American and Latina women have resisted race, class and gender oppression. The complex relationships among these factors and ethnicity will be examined through the analysis of a variety of primary texts, films, and scholarly articles.

WOST 272. Women in the Performing Arts. 3 Credits.

This interdisciplinary course examines the contributions of women in the performing arts and looks closely at the factors which constrain and further women's creativity in a variety of performing genres: dance, theater, opera, musical theater, conducting, composition, etc.
Spring Even.

WOST 299. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.

Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.

WOST 324. The Biology of Women. 3 Credits.

This course will examine the physiology of the adult female body and will address health issues that are unique to or different in women. Emphasis will be placed on the effects of female sex hormones on multiple processes (reproductive, nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular) in the body.
P: HUM BIOL 102 with at least a C grade or BIOLOGY 201/202 with at least a C grade.
Spring.

WOST 336. Gender Development Across the Lifespan. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary analysis of changes in biological, social, and identity development for males and females throughout the life span. The development and variation of sexual orientation and gender expression will be discussed.
P: PSYCH 203 or DJS 241
Fall and Spring.

WOST 338. World Literatures. 3 Credits.

A study of selected works from world literatures. A variable content course. Course is repeatable for credit if topics differ; may be taken 2 times for a total of 6 credits.
P: ENGLISH 290 or concurrent enrollment, Jr st.
Spring.

WOST 348. Gender and the Law. 3 Credits.

The changing legal status of women and LGBTQ+ people in relationship to other social forces; major historical landmarks in the development of their legal rights and current status in such areas as property rights, family law and employment opportunity; legal tools in the struggle for equality.
P: sophomore standing
Fall Even.

WOST 350. Topics in Women's Studies. 3 Credits.

Explores a single theme in Women's Studies scholarship from an interdisciplinary perspective. Variable content.

WOST 360. Women and Gender in First Nations Communities. 3 Credits.

This course examines the traditional and contemporary status of First Nations women. The course focuses on the fluid definitions and constructions of gender identity before and after Euro-American contact, exploring the intersections of racism, sexism, homophobia, colonialism, globalization. Decolonization and resistance are primary themes of the course.
REC: FNS 225, FNS 226 or WOST 241.

WOST 370. History of Sexuality in the U.S.. 3 Credits.

Historical introduction to sexual behaviors and attitudes in the U.S. from the period of colonization to the present. Includes analyses of the impact of economic, racial, gender, political, and technological change on sexual norms and behaviors.
P: DJS/WOST 241 or HISTORY 205 or 206
Spring.

WOST 379. Women, Art and Image. 3 Credits.

Examines the impact women have made on art historically as of artists, muses, models, dealers, benefactors and critics with emphasis on images of women in visual culture, deconstructing notions of identify, others and beauty in contemporary society and in the past.
P: jr st; REC: ART 202 or WOST 241
Spring Odd.

WOST 380. U.S. Women's History. 3 Credits.

In this course our goal is a richer understanding of women's experiences in the past, ranging from pregnancy and single motherhood to women's struggles to win the right to vote. Through lectures, discussions and films we will explore a variety of women's lives, consider the ways studying women changes our historical perspectives and focus on how interpretations of the past influence our understanding of current social issues.
P: none; REC: jr st and one cse in U.S. history, U.S. lit or Women's Studies.
Fall Only.

WOST 401. Psychology of Women and Gender. 3 Credits.

The psychology of women examines traditional and feminist approaches to women in psychological theory and research as frameworks for understanding women's development and experience in family, academic, work, and relationship roles. The interacting influences of biology, socialization, and cultural context are considered. Identity development for males and females throughout the life span, as well as the development and variation of sexual orientation will be discussed.
P: PSYCH 102. REC: PSYCH 203 and PSYCH 300 or PSYCH 302
Fall and Spring.

WOST 437. Feminist Theory. 3 Credits.

This course is an introduction to feminist theories from a variety of disciplinary perspectives; we will examine the development of feminist theories, their practice and contrasting viewpoints.
P: DJS 241.
Spring Even.

WOST 497. Internship. 1-12 Credits.

Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings.
P: jr st.
Fall and Spring.

WOST 498. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.

Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early in the semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Fall and Spring.

WOST 499. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.

Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.