Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Classes

WGSS 151: Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Discipline
Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DS

This course is an introduction to feminist interdisciplinary analysis from global and critical perspectives. It explores relationships between women and men from various cultures, with a focus on gender, race, class, and sexual dynamics. The course also explores women\’s negotiations with institutional dynamics.

Course Outcomes
  • Explain the difference between sex as a biological category and gender as a social category.
  • Describe the various ways that gender categories are socially constructed.
  • Describe the historical changes in both gender roles and the status of women in the United States.
  • Explain the similarities and differences of women’s roles across cultural, racial, social, and economic lines.

WGSS 200: Culture, Gender, and Appearance

Discipline
Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DS

This course explores the social construction of gender within culture and its visual expression through appearance. An analysis of role, identity, conformity, and deviance in human appearance is emphasized.

Course Outcomes
  • Use concepts and apply theories to describe the role of individual choice in appearance.
  • Describe the links between clothing and culture.
  • Describe the role appearance plays in gender development.
  • Explain the communicative nature of appearance and expressions of identity.

WGSS 202: Psychology of Gender

Discipline
Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DS

Survey of topics in psychology relevant to gender and its impact on the lives of women and men: socialization of gender, mental health, racial identity, majority-minority status, sexual orientation, life-span issues, and violence. (Cross-listed as PSY 202)

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in WGSS 151 or PSY 100, or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Describe the central concepts, theoretical perspectives, and research methods used in the psychology of gender.
  • Use theoretical perspectives to explain gender behavior.
  • Describe the biological influences on sex.
  • Describe the cultural influences on gender.