SUMMER 2027
WGS 201/SOC 240: Gender and History of Psychiatry
Mary Okin, July 6-August 21
This course will examine the history of women’s interactions with the psychiatric profession in Western society over
the past two hundred years. We will examine the biological explanations that have often been used to explain
mental disorder in women as well as former psychiatric practices, including the gynecological surgery that was
performed on “insane” women. We will also look at the ways in which diagnoses have changed over time and at the
ways in which certain diagnostic categories like “hysteria” and “nymphomania” have shifted. A key point of focus
will be to look at the ways in which mental disorder in women may have served as a form of social protest at various
times and at the ways in which, historically, women who deviated from their expected gender roles were more likely
to be labeled as insane. Finally, we will explore the idea of whether or not mental illness is a “female malady” and
look at the ways in which gender roles and gender stereotypes in Western society have contributed to a greater
association between women and mental illness.
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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, MW, 3:30 pm -4:45 pm, Qian Zhang) (0002, TTH, 11:00 am-12:15 pm, Kara Peruccio) (0003, MWF, 9:00 am – 9:50 am, Cam McDonnell) (0990/0991, Mary Okin, Online) 3 CR.
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, 9:30-10:45 am, Nancy Lewis) 3 CR. Core Curriculum/Core Requirements: Social Contexts and Institutions, and Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives
WGS 201 Topics in WGS: Trans Studies
The evolution of gender, gender identity, and gender expression has taken societies by storm. Why does gender strike a chord across peoples, geographies, and languages? When was gender introduced among societies and to what end? How do systems of power uniquely impact or affect gender-expansive peoples? This course will investigate the historical, medical, legal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural ramifications of defining gender and sex. Students will be exposed to archives, recorded media, and primary and secondary perspectives that reveal the workings of gender as imperative for individuals and systems. (0001, MWF, 10:00 am-10:50 am, Cam McDonnell)
WGS 201 Topics in WGS: Problems in History: History & Fantasy Literature
What is History & Fantasy Literature?This course provides an introduction to fantasy literature, and then uses contemporary 21st century novels to engage with some of the major topics and themes that are encountered in the field of Middle Eastern history. We will explore how fantasy texts published in the past decade provide accessible and active engagement with historical subjects, events, people, and ideas from the Ancient Near East to the early 20th century. Not only will we examine how these magical stories interpret and present history, but we will also analyze them as a space for cultural, social, and political commentary of today. We will discuss themes such as gender and sexuality, empire and colonialism, religion, politics and political discourse, and more. (0002, TTH, 12:39 pm – 1:45 pm, Kara Peruccio) 3 CR. WGS 101 is recommended as a prerequisite
WGS 230 Women, Health & Environment
This course examines the impact of man-made contaminants and constructs on human health. Using a feminist lens, students will explore the connections between health issues such as cancer, autoimmune disease, infertility and gender transition and hazards that can impact health, such as non-biodegradable synthetic organic compounds, nuclear radiation, hormone treatment, and nutrition. Standard scientific approaches will be combined with feminist analyses, using the interlocking matrices of gender, race, class, and other asymmetrical systems. Agency for pollution will be examined from the personal to the global levels. Students will consider possibilities for conscious change, strategies for implementing them, and be encouraged to engage in transformative work. (0001, TTH, 3:30 -4:45 pm, Andrea Laflamme) 3 CR. Core Curriculum/Core Requirements: Ethics and Population and the Environment Prerequisites: WGS 101 or permission.
WGS 301 – Topics in Women’s: French Feminisms and French Feminist Literature
In this course, we will examine the history and development of French feminism and French feminist thought. Our analysis will span three time frames: the development and evolution of French feminism during the 19th century, the 20th century, and the early 21st century. We will explore the various waves of French feminism and the important branches of French feminism, including liberal feminism, psycho-analytical feminism, post-structuralist, radical, lesbian, and post-colonial feminism. Our examinations will include reading some of the foundational texts and theorists of the French feminism movement. We will also read three novels which serve as examples of French feminist literature and which address important feminist themes from each of these time periods, including abortion, violence against women, and sexual abuse. We will end the course discussing current topics of importance within the French feminist movement, including the French version of the #MeToo movement. While we will primarily examine French feminism, we will also briefly explore Quebec feminism.
(0990, Online, Mary Okin)
WGS 301 – Topics in Women’s, Gender, Sexuality Studies: Slavery, Politics and Memory in American History
This course follows a chronological path through the rise and development of African slavery in colonial North America, the impact of the Revolution on systems of bondage and ideas about freedom, the development of these ideas in the antebellum United States, antislavery and proslavery movements, the coming of emancipation during the Civil War, and the legacy of slavery and redefinition of freedom during Reconstruction. It also focuses on how this history has been remembered, commemorated, erased, and distorted to serve various present-day concerns. (0001, MWF, 9:00 am – 9:50 am, Mary Freeman) 3CR
WGS 401 Advanced Topics of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies: Gender and Psychoanalysis
What is gender? What do we mean when we identify or refuse identification with a gender? Is gender an attribute of the subject, or does gender come before subjectivity? This course aims to introduce psychoanalytic gender theories, providing an open space and encouraging new perspectives on 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. Building on this foundation, we will expand our discussion on gender relations by examining contemporary issues, including the temporality of gender experience, maternal studies, and memory studies. This course aims to generate an intellectual exploration of our life experiences and encounters with various cultural productions—including literature, film, video, video games, TV shows, and music. (0001, MW, 2:00- 3:15 pm, Qian Zhang)3 CR
WGS 401 Advanced Topics of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
In our diverse and interconnected world, intercultural literacy is an urgent necessity, not an option. Relatedly, this course will guide you in understanding yourself and others as cultural beings who are members of a web of communities. We will consider how culture(s) influence communication practices and conversely, how our communication behaviors create culture(s). From a culture-centered perspective, we will explore the intercultural communication competencies needed to connect and learn with others as we address today’s wicked problems. In this course, culture is defined broadly to include a variety of intersecting and dynamic contexts and experiences, such as nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and class. (0002, MWF, 9:00 -9:50, Liliana Heracova) 3 CR
