Interdiciplinary examination of social issues of race, class,
ethnicity, and sexuality as they contribute to the lives and
identity formation of diverse women in the United States.
Special attention paid to African American, Asian American, Latin
American, and Native American women.
Athena Title
Gender Race Class Sexuality
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in WGST 3110E, WMST 3110
Non-Traditional Format
This version of the course will be taught as writing intensive,
which means that the course will include substantial and ongoing
writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course learning; b)
teach the communication values of a discipline—for example, its
practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; and c)
prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in
graduate school, and in professional life. The written
assignments will result in a significant and diverse body of
written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or 25 pages) and the
instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course)
will be closely involved in student writing, providing
opportunities for feedback and substantive revision.
Prerequisite
WMST 1110 or WMST 1110E or WMST 1110H or WMST 2010 or WMST 2010E or WMST 2010H or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
After completion of the course, the student should be able to understand and assess how the historical and contemporary status of women in the U.S. has been shaped by their gender, race, class, and ethnic background.
After completion of the course, the student should be able to critically analyze the major theoretical and methodological issues in feminist scholarship on questions concerning social constructions of gender, race, and class.
After completion of the course, the student should be able to describe common and distinctive experiences of women in different spheres of activity, including how race, class, and ethnicity interact to shape these experiences.
After completion of the course, the student should be able to evaluate and discuss creative approaches employed by women of varying race, class, and ethnic backgrounds to respond to conditions of oppression individually or collectively.
After completion of the course, the student should be able to develop appropriate communication and research skills to participate in a team project and an independent research project which will result in an oral presentation and a written paper.
Topical Outline
What do we Mean by Gender, Race, and Class?
What is Oppression?
Theoretical Perspectives and Interpretation of Gender, Race, and
Class
Feminist Perspectives on Gender, Race, and Class: Commonalities
and Differences
Women and Work
Family and Household
Women and Health
Reproduction
Sexuality
Violence
Politics and Strategies of Empowerment
African American Women
Asian American Women
Latina American Women
Native American Women
Jewish American Women
Building Multi-Cultural Alliances: U.S. Approaches
Building Multi-Cultural Alliances: International Approaches
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
