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Women’s Studies

Course Code
WS 100  Credits
Title Women Today: Contemporary Women's Issues 
Lasc Area
  • Goal 6
  • Goal 7
 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course will examine current issues affecting women in American Society. It also addresses pertinent topics related to gender, diversity and systems of inequality. Topics include women and work, family, law and social policy, gender and mass media, violence against women, sexuality and the body, and women's health. Core class for Women's Studies Minor program. MnTC Goal 6 and 7. 



Course Code
WS 219  Credits
Title Sociology of Sexual Behavior 
Prerequisite SOC 110 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Examines sociological and social psychological perspectives and research on sexual behavior. Topics include childhood sexual behavior, adolescent sexual behavior, sex and mate selection, marital sex, extramarital sex, and various forms of sexual variation. Same as SOC 219



Course Code
WS 246  Credits
Title Women in Literature 
Lasc Area Goal 6  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A study of the various ways women are depicted in imaginative literature and expository prose. Readings vary. Same as ENGL 246. MnTC Goal 6. 



Course Code
WS 247  Credits
Title Women's Studies: Perspectives and Intersections 
Lasc Area
  • Goal 6
  • Goal 7
 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description An introduction to the discipline of Women's Studies. Examines multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary issues in Women's Studies in relation to the sciences, social sciences, humanities and arts. Also investigates disciplinary topics such as women's movements, difference, oppression, race and class. Includes a service learning component. Core class for Women's Studies minor program. MnTC Goal 6 and 7. 



Course Code
WS 300  Credits
Title Biology of Women 
Lasc Area Goal 3 Lab  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A study of the gender-related aspects of the biology and behavior of women, including a critical examination of research in this field. Appropriate as an elective only for Biology majors who choose the Health and Medical Science emphasis or the Life Science Emphasis. Lab included. Same as BIOL 300. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
WS 305  Credits
Title The Economics of Poverty, Discrimination, and Inequality 
Lasc Area Goal 7  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Writing Intensive Yes  
Description An examination of poverty, discrimination, and income inequality among diverse populations in the United States. Topics include causes of poverty, economics of discrimination in terms of majority and minority groups, and historical perspective of ethnic minorities. Same as ECON 305. MnTC Goal 7. 



Course Code
WS 308  Credits
Title Social Gerontology 
Prerequisite SOC 110 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course introduces students to the field of social gerontology for providing an overview of the significant sociological perspectives, social issues, and empirical social science research pertaining to the phenomenon of aging in society. The main goal of the course is to foster an understanding of aging as a process that is characteristic of both individuals and societies through a focus on social factors that shape the individual's experience of aging and the consequences of an aging population for social institutions. Same as SOC 308



Course Code
WS 310  Credits
Title Dominant-Subordinate Group Relations 
Prerequisite SOC 110 
Lasc Area Goal 5  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Theoretical, historical and contemporary examination of prejudice, discrimination, and inequalities organized around race, ethnicity, and gender divisions. Same as SOC 310. MnTC Goal 5 



Course Code
WS 312  Credits
Title Rhetorics of Resistance: Feminist Responses from the Humanities 
Lasc Area
  • Goal 6
  • Goal 7
 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Writing Intensive Yes  
Description An examination of feminist responses from the humanities including literature, history, visual and performing arts as well as creative work from the traditional world of women. The course incorporates responses from various multicultural perspectives. MnTC Goal 6 and 7. 



Course Code
WS 324  Credits
Title Feminist Theory 
Prerequisite WS 100 
Lasc Area
  • Goal 6
  • Goal 7
 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course is an examination of feminist theories that analyze women's experiences and women's oppression. Throughout the course we will explore how knowledge, power, gender, and difference are interwoven and how feminist approaches seek to disrupt and reshape systems of inequality on multiple levels. Specific attention will focus on theorizing the intersections of gender-based oppression with racism, classism, and other forms of oppression. MnTC Goal 6 and 7. 



Course Code
WS 330  Credits
Title Gender, Justice and the Environment 
Lasc Area
  • Goal 6
  • Goal 10
 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description The course focuses on understanding and identifying solutions to local and global environmental issues in the context of feminist critique. The course will draw from feminist literature, core ecological principles, activist strategies, and other critical writings. MnTC Goal 6 and 10. 



Course Code
WS 333  Credits
Title Sociology of Gender 
Prerequisite SOC 110 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Focuses on the social construction of gender and consequences of gender stratification for women and men. Topics may include: gender differences; the concept of "gender role"; gender in the economic, political, and educational institutions; discrimination; and the feminist movement. Same as SOC 333



Course Code
WS 345  Credits
Title Women in Musical Culture 
Lasc Area
  • Goal 6
  • Goal 7
 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A history of women in musical culture and critical examination of representations of women in music. Topics examine women's roles in American and European musical cultures, including artistic traditions, popular musics, jazz and folk traditions. Representations of women in musical forms, such as opera, rock music and multimedia, are also considered. MnTC Goals 6 and 7. 



Course Code
WS 346  Credits
Title Sex, Sexuality and Music 
Lasc Area
  • Goal 6
  • Goal 7
 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course considers representations and expressions of sex and sexuality in music throughout history in artistic and popular music traditions in Western society. Various musical forms will be considered in sociohistorical context. Musical works will be examined and interpreted for their expression of ideas about sexuality, representations of sexuality, and the ways in which they enhance or challenge social norms or stereotypes about sexuality. Music as a means of expressing sexuality will also be considered. MnTC Goals 6 and 7. 



Course Code
WS 350  Credits
Title Women in European History 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description The historical experience of European women as a force in politics, in economic and familial roles, in organized religion and in cultural life, and with special emphasis on the "woman question". Same as HIST 350



Course Code
WS 390  Credits 1-4 
Title Topics in Women's Studies 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This is an upper division topical course and may be repeated when the topic changes. 



Course Code
WS 394  Credits 1-3 
Title Research in Women's Studies 
Prerequisite WS 100 and WS 247 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Directed research course in Women's Studies. Topics covered include research techniques, methodologies and academic writing in Women's Studies. May be repeated once for credit. 



Course Code
WS 397  Credits 1-3 
Title Independent Study 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Directed readings and discussion on particular topics agreed upon by instructor and student. 



Course Code
WS 406  Credits
Title DNA as Destiny: Genetics and Society 
Lasc Area Goal 9  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Writing Intensive Yes  
Description This course examines the various ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genetic research and the applications of current and future applications of new genetic technologies. It is designed to provide students in any major, with the necessary background to make informed decisions about these issues in a socially and civically responsible manner. MnTC Goal 9. 



Course Code
WS 408  Credits
Title Women and Art 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Writing Intensive Yes  
Description This course examines the history of women artists as well as the representation of women as subjects in art. The course also provides a historical introduction to feminist art history and methodology. Same as ART 408