Women's Studies
Harriet F. Adams, Director and Adviser
Degrees Offered
The Women's Studies program offers a baccalaureate program for a Bachelor of Arts degree and an undergraduate minor.
Degree Requirements
Women's Studies is an emerging field that studies the nature, meaning, and consequences of gender in cultures worldwide. Women's Studies majors enter fields such as law, public policy, medicine, social services, economics and education. Graduates are prepared to enter a variety of jobs in both public and private sectors. The program offers opportunities for internships, study abroad and work experience.
Participating departments include: Africana Studies Art/Art History Economics Educational Leadership Educational Theory &Social Foundations English Film French Geography & Planning German Health Education History Honors Law Music Philosophy Political Science Psychology Sociology/Anthropology Spanish Theatre
New courses are constantly added to the curriculum. Students should consult the Schedule of Classes and/or the Women's Studies Program each semester for up-to-date information.
Requirements for the Undergraduate Major
The Women's Studies major satisfies the College of Arts and Science distributive requirement in either humanities or social sciences, depending upon the area of concentration.
The total of 30 hours (27 for dual majors) required for the major in Women's Studies must include: Women's Studies Core Requirements, 15 hours: WMST 3010 Issues in Women's Studies WMST 4870 Feminist Theory (other options sometimes are offered) WMST 4890 Women's Studies Research and Methodologies WMST 4900 Senior Seminar Women's Studies Praxis (internship, externship, job experience, etc.) Women's Studies Major Electives, 15 hours (12 hours for students with a double major): Women's Studies courses at the 3000-level and above. The 15 hours must come from a minimum of 3 of the following divisions: Humanities, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Pharmacy, Education and Business Administration. No more than half of the hours may be taken in a single division.
Related Hours
A concentration, minor or second major in another discipline is strongly recommended. If the related hours are not concentrated in a single discipline, at least 12 hours must be at the 3000-level or above and provide knowledge of the structure and methods of at least one discipline other than Women's Studies. If courses cross-listed as Women's Studies are used to fulfill this requirement, they will not be applied to the major. Must be planned in consultation with the adviser.
Undergraduate Research
Research is a required component of this major. Students may participate in on going undergraduate interdisciplinary research projects including Eating Disorders Research, Curriculum for Girls, and Welfare and Work. Individual projects also are encouraged. Students may pursue these through the required WMST 4890 Research and Methods class or with the consent of the program director and faculty adviser.
Requirements for the Undergraduate Minor
The total of 21 hours required for the minor in Women's Studies must include: WMST 3010 Issues in Women's Studies WMST 4870 Feminist Theory (other options sometimes are offered) WMST 4890 Women's Studies Research and Methodologies Women's Studies Electives, 12 hours: Women's Studies courses at the 3000-level and above. The 12 hours must come from a minimum of 2 of the following divisions: Humanities, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Pharmacy, Education and Business Administration.