SUMMER 2026
WGS 203 Men and Masculinities
This course examines the social construction of masculinity in Western culture, exploring men’s experiences in our society from multiple vantage points and examining the ways in which masculinity is understood, represented, and constructed in Western society. If this course was taken under as a topics course in WGS 201, it cannot be repeated for credit. It is recommended that students take WGS 101 before taking this course. (0990– July 7 – August 21, Okin) CR 3
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WGS 101 Introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
An introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and to its perspectives. The course will use interdisciplinary perspectives to begin to examine the categories of gender and sexuality, as they intersect with race, ethnicity, class, nationality, disability, and other sites of social inequality. General Education Requirements: Ethics, Social Contexts and Institutions, and Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives (0001, MWF, 9:00 – 9:50 am, Cam McDonnell (0002, TTH, 2:00-3:15 pm, Cam McDonnell) (0003, TTH, 8:00- 9:15 am, TBD) (0004, MWF, 11:00-11:50 am, Qian Zhang) (0990, Mary Okin, Online) CR 3.
WGS 103 Introduction to LGBT Studies
Introduces the major perspectives and issues in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer studies, including histories and institutions, identities and representations, and cultures and subcultures. General Education Requirements: Social Contexts and Institutions, and Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives (0001, TTH, 9:30 am-10:45 am, Nancy Lewis) CR 3
WGS 201/HTY232: Topics in WGS- Womanhood in America
This course explores the evolving role of American women from the era of colonial settlement through the present day, highlighting a broad range of women’s experiences and interrogating how the category of womanhood has developed and changed over time. You will be learning about both famous and ordinary women and will have the opportunity to read what women had to say about themselves and their situation. We will pay particular attention to the concept of intersectionality: the ways in which race, class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and other identities are intertwined and have shaped women’s experiences over time. (as defined by the Sister Song collection) (0001, TTH, 2:00 – 3:15 pm, Mary Freeman) CR 3
WGS 201/SOC 240: Topics in WGS- Gender, Race, Sexuality and Mental Health
In this course, we will adopt an interdisciplinary approach to exploring mental health from the perspective of gender. We will examine various mental disorders and their relative occurrence among men and women, including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, alcoholism, and post-traumatic stress disorder. We will also analyze the ways in which other factors intersect with gender in mental health, such as class, race, age, sexual preference, and gender and sexual identity. Our examinations will focus on the US but also draw on examples from international sources as well to bring this topic into global context. Our readings will be multidisciplinary and will draw on a variety of theoretical models, including sociological theories of mental illness, such as labeling theory, as well as feminist theoretical considerations. We will also read personal accounts of those who have treated people with mental health issues as well as those who have been diagnosed as being mentally ill. (0990, Online, Mary Okin) CR 3
WGS 205 Intro to Feminist & Critical Data Analysis
This course explores data and its role in presenting and obscuring disparities of marginalized groups including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, (dis)ability, indigenous, sexuality, and class. The course will use technology to access, analyze and critique data while also reading about and discussing relevant theoretical lenses and the role western traditions of knowing have had in the creation of these data. General Education Requirements: Quantitative Literacy and Social Context and Institutions (0001, TTH, 3:30 – 4:45 pm, Kevin Roberge) CR 3
WGS 301/CMJ 320: Topics in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies – Health & Communication
In this era of anxiety, how should we make sense of our gender-related experiences? How can we continue thinking about and discussing gender issues without unconsciously repressing all kinds of emotions, including anxiety, shame, pleasure, guilt, etc.? What if we use those emotions as our vectors to theorize our desire and cultural and societal gender dynamics? This course aims to introduce psychoanalytic gender theories, providing an open space and encouraging refreshed perspectives on exploring gender and gender relations in contemporary societies across different cultures. We will begin by recapping the classic discussions on subjectivity, femininity, and masculinity in psychoanalysis and then, more importantly, expand our discussion on gender relations by further engaging with theories of gender temporality, maternal studies, and memory studies. This course aims to generate an intellectual exploration from our life experience and of encountering various cultural productions—including literature, film, video, videogames, TV shows, and music. (0001, TTH, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm, Liliana Herakova) CR 3
WGS 303 Social Movements, Media, and Change
This course considers the roles of gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, age, religion, and nationality in relation to an understanding of social movements and social change in the Modern Middle East from the 19th century to the present. The course will also assess different varieties of feminism and women’s movements such as the rise of the women’s press in Egypt and Turkey in the early 1900s, anticolonial activism in the 1940s-1960s, the Arab Spring, contemporary LGBTQ+ activism, and the current Iranian protests for “Woman, life, freedom!” (“Jin, jiyan, azadi!”). Alongside secondary sources, students will examine primary sources produced by these movements – pamphlets, posters, memoirs, and even YouTube videos and Instagram posts. No prior knowledge of Middle Eastern history is required, and all course materials will be available in English. (0001– MWF, 11:00-11:50 am, Kara Peruccio) CR 3
WGS 360: Gender & Cinema
This course examines the connections between gender and cinema by examining gender theory, film criticism, and the history of the opposed as well as recent activist movements around production, inclusion, and representation. The course also serves as an introduction to major developments in feminist film theory since its emergence in the 1970s. WGS 101 is a recommended prerequisite. (0001, MW, 2:00-3:15 pm, Qian Zhang) CR 3
WGS 411: Internship in WGS
Students pursue internships in workplaces such as businesses, non-profits, and other organizations. Course meetings provide students with faculty mentorship, opportunities to troubleshoot their internship work with peers, and related course content. Topics covered may include diversity/equity/justice in the workplace, social justice in the community, correlation between academic courses and the workplace, and career-exploration/preparation. For each topic, strategies for improving work place communication is also covered. Each student will design their internship in consultation with their host organization and the course instructor such that it meets their specific interests/goals. Internship work will vary, but typically includes activities, such as research, ideation, communication, writing, public relations, editing, content development, community organizing, and other related activities. (0001, TTH,12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Kathryn Swacha) CR 3
WGS 499 Direct Study Women, Gender and Sexuality
*Fulfilled by either WGS 410 or WGS 411, to be taken with a 0-credit WGS 499
