Introduces the principal history, methods, issues and debates in Women's Studies utilizing an interdisciplinary approach. Through a broad range of issues confronting women, the course examines both historical and contemporary ideas, institutions, and constraints that shape women's lives. Attention will be focused on differences among women as well as the potential for women's unity and empowerment. Prerequisite: None.

Course Attributes:

• Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Arts and Humanities
• Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Inclusion and Belonging
• Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Humanities
• USLO: Global Citizenship, Ethics and Diversity

Topics will vary from semester to semester and will be announced in advance. May be taken for more than one semester. Prerequisite: Varies by course and instructor.

This course explores the ways women are depicted in popular culture and how these integrated patterns and beliefs are transmitted to succeeding generations. We will identify how these images influence basic assumptions about societal roles and expectations of women and, therefore, female development. This examination of popular culture genres reveals the influence of pop culture and its impact on stereotypes, personal and professional relationships. Through readings, text analysis, discussion and research-oriented writing assignments, the course will engage interdisciplinary methods to examine gender and popular culture. Students will learn to analyze and critique the narratives that shape their own perceptions of gender, sex and identity, and formulate a personal response to gender identity. Prerequisite: None.

Course Attributes:

• Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Arts and Humanities
• Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Humanities
• USLO: Critical and Creative Thinking

An advanced undergraduate course that focuses on contemporary human trafficking and slavery. Types of trafficking and slavery to be covered include sex trafficking, bonded labor, forced labor, child soldiers, chattel slavery, and domestic servant slavery. The contributing roles of the state, organized crime, the media, culture, and corruption will be examined. Debates about defining trafficking and the connection between sex trafficking and prostitution will be reviewed. Course materials may include testimonies and autobiographies by survivors, research reports, theoretical essays, policy statements, expert testimonies, podcasts and videos. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

This course allows the student to pursue individualized scholarship with guidance from a professor. The format may vary in terms of the student's special interests, abilities, imagination, and creativity. May consist of a research paper, a comprehensive written examination on selected reading materials, an oral presentation, or a special performance utilizing one or more art forms or modes of expression. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

Topics will vary from semester to semester and will be announced in advance. May be taken for more than one semester. Prerequisite: Varies by course and instructor.

The capstone is a required course that gives students a forum to synthesize and apply theories, methods and concepts that they have learned throughout their minor in Women and Gender Studies. Individualized advanced projects focused on women, gender and/or sexuality are designed in collaboration between the student and their WG adviser and can include a research paper, an internship, service learning or activist project. Prerequisite: Junior standing.