WGS 133: Gender in Mexico & the US
Monday & Wednesday 10:00-11:15 a.m., H. Seif
Examines the gendered lives and practices of women and men in Mexico and the US. By comparing gender across cultures, students inquire into whether their experience of masculinity and femininity is universal or open to change. Stereotypes about Mexicans (e.g. the meanings of macho) are challenged.
WGS 301 ECCE: Women, Gender and Society
Tuesday 6:00-9:30 p.m., M. Murphy
Interdisciplinary introduction to historical contemporary issues of gender inequality faced by women. Topics include gender socialization, education, law, work, families, health, violence, and the women's movement. Topics and emphasis varies with instructor. (Fall and spring semesters) Highly recommended as the first course in Women's Studies. Same as SOA 301 & SWK 382.
WGS 366: Culture, Diversity and Social Work
Thursday 6:00-9:30 p.m., J. Whitt
Examination of the concepts of race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, and disability in terms of causes and effects in the generation of social problems and the roles of social workers. Particular emphasis on personal and cultural attitudes towards diversity. Same as SWK 366. Prerequisite: SWK 222, or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
WGS 411: Feminist Theories
Tuesday 6:00-9:30 p.m., H. Dell
What would a good society be like? We will discuss a range of feminist theories, including liberal, radical, socialist, postmodern and global feminisms, all offering different solutions to issues such as the division of labor in the home and beyond, reproductive rights, and sexuality. Each student will work to develop his or her own view of a good society. Same as POS 433, SOA 480, and PHI 411.
WGS 424: Gender Communication
Tuesday & Thursday 2:00-3:40 p.m., H. Rozema
Examination of female and male communication in a variety of contexts, including family, romance, education, and the workplace. Representations in the media critiqued and theories of gender differences compared and evaluated. Same as COM 424. Not intended for students with Freshman or Sophomore standing. BLENDED COURSE—ONLINE & CLASSROOM. Meeting dates 8/26; 9/2; 10/7; 11/4, 11/18; 12/2, 12/16.
WGS 441: Poverty, Law, & Justice
Monday & Wednesday 10:00-11:40 a.m., D. Anthony
Addresses questions concerning what poverty is and why it exists. Will consider historical and current welfare policies in the US and their implications with respect to societal well-being, individual rights, and justice. Discussion of the intersection of race, gender, and poverty, and possible solutions to the problem.
WGS 445: Law & Inequality
Wednesday 6:00-9:30 p.m., J. Pierceson
The role of law and the legal system in creating, maintaining, and reducing inequality, with emphasis on race, class, and gender in the United States. The relationship between law and the legal system and political/economic institutions and ideologies. Same as LES 404, PSC 421, and SOA 425.
WMS 449: Nondiscrimination Laws in Employment
ONLINE, K. Eisenhart
Development and implementation of nondiscrimination laws in employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, terms and conditions, benefits and pay. Focus on protective labor laws, veteran preference, harassment, and due process requirements in employment. Same as LES 449, and PAD 452.
WMS 454: History Of The Family
Monday 6:00-9:30 p.m., D. McGregor
The modern family in comparative and historical perspective. Selected themes -- changing patterns of household, intimacy, gender -- explored historically to understand their present importance. Same as HIS 454, and SWK 454.
WGS 460: Masculinities
Thursday 2:00-5:30 p.m., M. Murphy
This course is an introductory and inter-disciplinary survey of the study of men and masculinities primarily in the contemporary United States. Major themes are gender, power, and male privilege; the utility of the plural term ‘masculinities’; the social construction of masculinities; masculine cultures of sports, war, and violence; masculinity in popular culture; and alternative masculinities.
WGS 464: Women's Spirituality
Wednesday 6:00-9:30 p.m., A. Van Dyke
Exploration of women's spirituality through novels, poetry, autobiographies, and essays by such authors as Gloria Naylor, Starhawk, Mary Daly, Audre Lorde, Judith Plaskow, and Carol Christ. Emphasis on students developing their own spiritual autobiographies. Same as ENG 464 and AAS 464.
WGS 463: Native American Women's Literature and Culture
Tuesday 6:00-9:30 p.m., A. Van Dyke
Novels, short stories, poetry, and literary and cultural criticism by Native American women writers, such as Paula Gunn Allen, Leslie Marmon Silko, Joy Harjo, and Louise Erdrich. Same as ENG 463.
WGS 481: Women in Chinese and Japanese History
ONLINE, P. Shapinsky
Exploration of the histories of women in China and Japan over the last several centuries, with special attention to their changing roles and status in the 20th century. Same as HIS 481.
WGS offers these courses on a regular basis. WGS 133/301, 403, 411 are requirements to fulfill the minor. All courses are 4 credit hours unless otherwise noted.
These WGS courses are crosslisted with other departments, and are taught periodically. Check the semester course schedule above or the UIS Course Catalog for current offerings. All courses are 4 credit hours unless otherwise noted.
