Women's Studies Program — Cross-Listed Courses

Courses preceded by an “L” are cross-listed with another department or program, as indicated by the parentheses in the course title: for example, “WOST L255 (Russ L255),” which is cross-listed with the Department of Modern Languages.

Courses

First-year Seminars

Students who complete one of these two first-year seminars may count it toward the women’s studies major or minor. (Please note: Only one first-year seminar may be taken for credit.) For a complete description of these courses, see the “First-year and Intermediate Seminars” section of this publication.

ENGL G180
Women Between Cultures

WOST G120
Women and Men in Families

Intermediate Seminars

WOST G205
Women and Adventure

WOST G210
Gender and the Body

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WOST 100
Women and Society

This interdisciplinary course examines how gender interacts with social institutions such as the family, education, the media, organized religion, law and government, and how that interaction shapes human behavior. Students will learn to address controversial issues raised by the feminist movement, and to relate these to their own lived experiences in meaningful and productive ways.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Distribution II Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Bobel

WOST 110
Women in Global Perspectives

This interdisciplinary course explores multiple meanings of gender in a transnational world. Topics include: contradictory meanings of traditional femininity across cultures; global media representations of the female body, beauty, sexuality; impacts of colonialism, nationalism, patriarchy, and the global economy on women’s work and family lives; women’s rights as human rights; and local and transnational feminist activisms.
Distribution II Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Chowdhury

WOST 150
Women, Culture and Identity

This course explores cultural beliefs about women’s “nature” and role at different times and places, drawing on materials from literature, including fiction and autobiography, and from history and feminist analysis. Using a thematic rather than a chronological approach, the course will focus on the ways in which intersection of race, class and gender affects the lives and self-concepts of women, in the U.S. and in other societies in the world.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 180
Mini-courses

Mini-courses on a variety of topics are occasionally taught by the staff.

WOST 180a
Women, Work and Stress

An introductory level mini-course, which examines the relationships between women’s paid and unpaid work experiences and their well-being. Drawing on material from medicine, psychology, sociology, literature and history, the course critically explores the concepts of stress, stress management, sex roles, work, wellness, and wholeness. Students are encouraged to study and evaluate their own work settings and experiences.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits

WOST 180b
Women and Addiction

This course examines the relationships between women’s social roles and status and their experiences with addiction and substance abuse problems. Medical, sociological, psychological and literary materials are reviewed. The social forces that produce “addictions” and the impact of family and community addiction problems upon the lives of women are also discussed, as are approaches to reducing the harmful impact of addictions.
1 Lect Hr, 1 Credit

WOST 200
Twentieth Century Women Writers: A Feminist Perspective

An intermediate-level course which examines the ways women writers in this century have dealt with some important themes of contemporary feminism. Novels, short stories, some analytical essays and autobiographies are used.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Staff

WOST 220
Women and the Media

This course explores how the historical evolution and commercial orientation of mass communications media have helped shape the depiction of women and gender in advertising, entertainment, and news. Students learn to analyze visual imagery for its conceptual and emotional messages; to distinguish stereotypes from more complex characterizations in TV fictions; and to monitor the representations of women and gender in the print and broadcast news.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Staff

WOST 225
Latinas in the United States

This course provides an overview of the experiences of Latina women in the United States, focusing on the three themes of migration, the settlement process, and the question of identity. The course explores the contexts of family, employment, community organizing, and gender roles>
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 240
Educating Women

This course studies the lives and ideas of women in the US who have been educators and activists in struggles for equality in, and transformation of, education. Central themes include how women students learn; education as a means of self-realization and empowerment for women in different ethnic, race, and class contexts; how gender affects experiences in educational institutions.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Staff

WOST L243 (ANTH L243)
Rethinking the Family

This course analyzes the ways in which culture shapes perceptions of family. It explores the increasing medicalization of reproduction and the body, the differentially gendered notions of infertility, and the ways in which race, class, and sexual orientation affect commonly held and frequently subscribed-to beliefs about what constitutes family.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 250
Women and Aging

An interdisciplinary approach to aging processes in women. The course follows women from mid-life through old age. It examines, from a feminist perspective, the physical, psychological, social, economic, and occupational issues affecting women during the latter part of their lives. There is no prerequisite, but WOST 100 is recommended.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST L255 (RUSS L255)
Women in Russia

The history and culture of Russian women of different classes, backgrounds, and affectional/sexual orientations with emphasis on how their past and present experience differs from women in Europe and America. Topics for reading and discussion include myths of Amazons and mothers; “rule of women;” peasant women; the Woman Question: poetesses, prostitutes, populists, “perverts,” working women/women’s work; women today. No knowledge of Russian required.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Burgin

WOST 260
Women’s Health Care

This course focuses on women’s concerns in relation to health. Topics include health issues unique to women (such as birth control, pregnancy, childbearing); nutrition; occupational health; health and aging; women as health workers; and the history, activities, and influence of the women’s health movement.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 265
Food and Feminism

An interdisciplinary approach, incorporating material from anthropology, history. literature, psychology, and sociology, to the varied ways women relate to food. One basic assumption of the course is that food has traditionally been a major vehicle for the expression of caring and nurturance within the family and the wider community.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 270
Native American Women in North America

This course focuses on the lives of native North American women, in traditional societies and in contemporary life, as revealed through their life histories, the recounting of tribal history, legends and myths, art, and contemporary poetry and fiction. There is no prerequisite, but WOST 100 or 150 is recommended.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Distribution II Area: World Cultures.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 280
Special Topics in Women’s Studies (Intermediate)

Selected special topics in women’s studies at the intermediate level, taught by program faculty and visiting instructors.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 290
The Legal Rights of Women

Beginning with a historical overview, this course examines women’s evolving legal status in the US. Discussions focus on women and work, including sexual harassment; reproductive rights; and women in the family, with an emphasis on domestic violence. Participants also consider whether equality is best achieved by treating men and women identically or by taking into account such differences as women’s reproductive capacity.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ehrlich

WOST 291
Family Law

This course examines how the traditional legal concept of family is rapidly changing in response to new social developments. It considers contemporary debates about no-fault divorce and joint custody, as well as legal developments that challenge settled notions of family (such as the recognition of two-mother families).
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ehrlich

WOST 292
Family Law Practice

Hands-on learning about court procedure and legal drafting techniques in this course focusing on two areas of Massachusetts family law: divorce law and domestic violence law. In addition to representing a client in a mock divorce and preparing the necessary court papers, students learn about the protections available under the state’s abuse prevention act, as well as the required procedures for seeking relief.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
Prerequisite: WOST 291 or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ehrlich

WOST L295 (ANTHR L295)
Introduction to Human Rights

This is a collaboratively taught interdisciplinary course on a variety of issues related to Human Rights as discourse and practice. It covers the emergence and institutionalization of human rights discourse in the 20th century, and examines its transformations and extensions into various social, economic, political and cultural realms globally. Topics include critique of Western and normative  human rights, policies of indigenous people and women’s rights, and cognitive and practical implementations of human rights.
Distribution II Area: World Cultures.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Chowdhury

WOST L311 (AMST L311)
American Oral History

This course explores oral history interviewing, texts, and films, within the context of efforts to create a fully representative social and cultural history of the US. Students design individual or group oral history projects, to capture the experiences and perspectives of people formerly regarded as “unhistorical”—in particular, women, working class people, immigrants, people of color, and gays and lesbians. (Satisfies the research requirement for women’s studies majors.)
Prerequisites: Junior standing; one women’s studies or American studies course.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Humez

WOST 330
Women and Public Policy

Examination of a number of current United States public policy issues of particular concern to women, including employment discrimination, poverty and welfare, child care, and violence against women. Exploration of how women’s organizations (community, trade union, and feminist) have helped shape these public policies in the last 25 years. Consideration of how the factors of race and age discrimination affect the debate on these issues.
Prerequisite: WOST 100 or 150.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Staff

WOST 340
Women in African Cultures

This course focuses on the daily lives of women in traditional and contemporary African societies from a feminist perspective. Topics include modes of production and gender; marriage, kinship and family roles; women’s roles in national liberation struggles.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, and either WOST 230 or ANTH 355; or permission of instructor.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST L341 (ENGL L341)
Women’s Image in Film (D)

An in-depth study of women’s portrayal in narrative cinema, the course explores ways film as an art form reflects and affects the social, political and cultural construction of Woman. It examines both traditional images of women and the portrayal of women struggling to reassess and redefine their roles and their sense of self. Drawing on current scholarship in film theory, and especially in feminist film theory, the course emphasizes the relation between cinematic technique and narrative content. Please note: Although not required, completion of one course in film before enrolling in this course is recommended.
Prerequisites: One women’s studies course at the 100 or 200 level, and ENGL 102 or equivalent.
4-5 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Dittmar

WOST L342 (ENGL L342)
Women Film Directors (C)

This course spans eight decades of women’s work as film directors. While it largely unfolds chronologically, starting with the silent era and concluding with contemporary films, within this framework it is organized so as to focus on narrative, documentary, and avant-garde films as separate categories. It pays special attention to the ways cinematic form and thematic content come together, at specific historic moments, in women’s cinematic rendition of their experience.
There are no prerequisites, but ART 265 or WOST 320 is recommended.
Diversity Area: International.
4-5 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Dittmar

WOST 350
Beyond Heterosexuality: Approaches to Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies

An interdisciplinary approach to lesbian, bisexual and selected aspects of transgender studies. Through readings, visual materials, speakers, and student projects, the course explores problems of theorizing differences and identities; lesbian/bisexual/transgender histories; contemporary issues (homophobia, coming out, relationships, families and communities, law, employment); political and cultural representations, and resistance. Students have an opportunity to propose topics and projects.
Prerequisite: One women’s studies course, or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST L355 (SOCIOL L355)
Gender, Development and Globalism

This course examines the way globalization and development affect women. Topics include the changing division of labor in rural and urban areas, the employment of women in multinational corporations, women in the informal sector, women and reproductive health policies, changing family structures, poverty and female-headed households, and the impact of selected foreign and multilateral aid programs. The course also considers women’s organizing for economic, social and political change.
Distribution II Area: World Cultures.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST L356 (RELSTY L356)
Feminist Theology and Spirituality

This course explores feminism and theology as resources for each other. Participants study feminist critiques and revisions of Judaism, Christianity, “syncretistic” Christian-indigenous traditions, and Goddess spirituality. Special attention is given to religious experience of women in dominated cultures (e.g., Third World Women, women of color). Students form semester-long working groups around relevant topics of their own choosing.
Prerequisite: One Study of Religion course or one women’s studies course.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Sands

WOST L359 (EASIAN L359/HIST L359)
Women in Modern China

This course examines the social and cultural roles of Chinese women, and their changes over time. Emphasis is given to twentieth-century China, especially the People’s Republic period.
Prerequisite: One history course and one women’s studies course, or permission of instructor.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ye

WOST 360
American Women’s Autobiographies

A group of life stories by American women are read and analyzed, both as examples of female self-expression and as sources for studying women’s past in America. Through a semester-long research project, students have the opportunity to do original research in American women’s history and self-expressive traditions.
Prerequisite: One women’s studies course, or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Humez

WOST 370
Research Seminar in Women’s Studies

Through readings, guest lectures, discussions, and small-scale projects, students learn to use and to evaluate critically some basic research tools in the humanities and social sciences, as they can be applied to the interdisciplinary study of women and gender. Consideration is given to new research approaches being developed by feminist researchers, as well as to the relationship between research and the political movement for women’s rights.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and two women’s studies courses; or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Bobel

WOST L376 (AMST L376)
Women of Color

This course offers interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives on a variety of theories, themes, and issues related to the experiences of women of color in both U.S. and global contexts. It examines the genealogies, practices, and agendas of women of color “feminisms,” and promotes a dialogue about the interactive impact of race, class, and gender on women’s lives.
Prerequisite: Junior-level standing or permission of instructor.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Tang

WOST 392
Women & Activism

This course is designed 1) to expose students to selected literature from a burgeoning field which describes, theorizes, and prescribes activism by and on behalf of women; and 2) to assist students in applying this knowledge by developing their own critiques of contemporary activist projects and constructing their own direct plan around an issue they identify.
Prerequisite: One women’s studies course or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Bobel and Staff

WOST L394 (AMST L394)
Women in US Social Movements

A selective survey of the motivations, strategies, experiences, and accomplishments of US women who have been activists in a variety of social movements during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Students have the opportunity to do a research project on an activist in any of several movements, including, among others, anti-slavery, birth control, civil rights, gay and lesbian liberation, labor, peace, socialism, suffrage, temperance, and women’s liberation.
Diversity Area: IUnited States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Humez

WOST 400
Feminist Thought

The ideas and writings of prominent and influential contemporary feminist thinkers are analyzed. Specific topics areas vary from semester to semester. The course is taught as an upper level seminar for majors and minors.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; at least three women’s studies courses.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Bobel and Staff

WOST 420
Feminist Therapy

After a brief examination of traditional (psychoanalytic) and humanistic (counseling) views of emotional health in women, students explore in-depth treatments and clinical applications of feminist therapy that emphasize helping a woman realize how her own power as an individual is inextricably bound to the collective power of women as a group. This course is strongly recommended for majors planning an internship in a counseling or therapeutic setting. Prior completion of PSYCH 236 is recommended though not required.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; two women’s studies courses or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 478
Independent Study

Open to a limited number of students each semester. A written prospectus must be formulated with the instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits

WOST 479
Independent Study

See WOST 478.

WOST 480
Special Topics
(Advanced)

Selected topics in women’s studies, taught by staff or visiting lecturers.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and one women’s studies course, or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

WOST 490
Internship in Women’s Studies

A seminar which must be taken concurrently with WOST 490a. Internship students apply their theoretical understandings in women’s studies to practical experiences in supervised volunteer work. Topics include theoretical issues relevant to placements in a human service agency or social change organization; evaluation of basic skills learned in field work; and career development exercises. An oral presentation and two papers are required. Topics are integrated with discussions of students’ on-site work.
Corequisite: WOST 490a.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, two women’s studies courses, and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Staff

WOST 490a
Field Placement

For eight to fifteen hours each week, students participate, usually on a volunteer basis, in a supervised field placement with a women’s organization, alternative institution, or an agency offering services to women and the family. Students must secure their placement one month prior to the beginning of the semester in which they plan to enroll in the course. Graded on a pass/fail basis. Open to a maximum of 12 students each semester.
Corequisite: WOST 490.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, two women’s studies courses, and permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits

WOST 498
Honors Research Tutorial

An intensive exploration of a selected research topic under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The tutorial includes a literature review and a survey of appropriate theory and research methods relevant for exploring the topic. Applicants for the honors tutorial should consult the program director.
Prerequisite: Admission to Honors in Women’s Studies.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits

WOST 499
Honors Paper Tutorial

A continuation of WOST 498. The honors student works on writing the honors paper under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The student receives a grade for each semester of work, but honors in women’s studies will be awarded only to those who have written and presented an extended honors paper of high distinction (as evaluated by the honors committee). WOST 499 is open to students who have successfully completed WOST 498.
Prerequisite: Admission to Honors in Women’s Studies.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits