Spring 2015
Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Courses
WGSS 1104: Feminisms and the Arts
Instructor: Terri Smith
Mondays
2:35 to 5:15 PM
This class is an interdisciplinary exploration of the work of women artists in drama, the visual arts, music,
literature, and/or film. Key issues of feminist criticism in the arts are discussed.
This class meets General Education Content Areas 1 and 4
WGSS 1105 Gender and Sexuality in Everyday Life
Instructor: Ingrid Semaan
Thursday
2:35 to 5:15 PM
This course examines the social forces that influence the lives of women and men. We will contrast the idea
that gender is fixed and/or biologically determined with the view that gender is variable and produced in social
relationships. A central theme of this course is that race and class relations intersect with gender relations to
produce difference and inequality. We will also look at the ways that women resist oppression and the ways
that collective action can and does change gender, race, and class relations. Topics covered in this class will
include work, intimate relationships, government policies, gender identity, sexuality, body image, and social
movements. We will explore these topics through films, readings, and class discussions.
This class meets General Education Content Areas 2 and 4
SOCI 3601W: Sociology of Gender
Instructor: Laura Bunyan
Tues/Thurs
9:55 to 11:10 AM
This class will examine the American family, its changing forms and values, and the social conditions
influencing it: mate selection, marital adjustment, the responsibilities and opportunities of parenthood, and
resolving family crises.
Note: This course is a W course
SOCI 3601: Sociology of Gender
Instructor: Laura Bunyan
Tues/Thurs
1:10 to 2:25 PM
This class will examine the American family, its changing forms and values, and the social conditions
influencing it: mate selection, marital adjustment, the responsibilities and opportunities of parenthood, and
resolving family crises.
SOCI 3453: Women and Health
Instructor: Ingrid Semaan
Tuesday
2:35 to 5:15 PM
This course begins with the premise that health outcomes are shaped by the intersection of gender, race, and
class inequalities. We will look at research that focuses on three additional themes: a critique of the
biomedical model, a critique of the emphasis on technology in medical fields, and a critique of the profit
motive in health care. We will focus primarily on women's health in several specific areas: reproductive
health, mental health, eating “disorders,” and body size.
WGSS 3998: Women of Color in the U.S.
Instructor: Donna Andrade
Tuesday
5:30 to 8:10 PM
This course will explore the range and impact of women of color feminists, writers and theorists in the United
States. We will examine some of the historical forces which have silenced or distorted the perspectives of
feminist women of color from the 1960’s to the current day.
This course welcomes students from all different backgrounds (race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
socio-economic status, religion, etc.) to study and identify with women of color as models for self-expression
and autonomy. The course assignments and learning activities are designed to help students examine how the
works of feminists of color have influenced and shaped the U.S. landscape.
We will also examine the strategies these same women have adopted to empower themselves and exercise or
re-claim their voices. Students will read and analyze short stories, essays, and poetry by groundbreaking
theorists, writers, and feminists of color such as: Cherríe Moraga, Gloria Anzaldúa, Audre Lorde, BeBe Moore
Campbell, Alice Walker, Naomi Littlebear, Merle Woo, and many more.
ENGL 3627: Women and Violence: Trauma and Testimony in Women’s Life-Writing
Instructor: Morgne Cramer
Wednesday
2:35 to 5:15 PM
In this course we will look at many types of violence against women, examining everything from street
harassment and hate speech to childhood sexual abuse, rape, battering, and sex murder. We will turn to
feminist theories, first person narratives, novels, poetry, and plays to understand the causes and effects of
violence against women as well as recovery strategies. Although we focus primarily on women as
victims/survivors of men’s violence, we will read selections by men who have been victims/survivors as well.
Readings and guest speakers also highlight pro-feminist men who are advocates against gendered violence and
for their own gender liberation.
Furthermore, we will discuss strategies that promote bystander intervention; how to recognize abuse in your
own life; how to transform gender/race/class inequalities tied to violence in our private and public lives; and
how to support friends and partners who have been victims/survivors. Class time will include videos, guest
lectures by community activists, lectures, and lively class discussions and interactive group experiences.
WGSS 3998 Subject to Debate: Issues in Contemporary Feminism
Instructor: Rhea Hirshman
Wednesday
5:30 to 8:10 PM
“I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is,” wrote British author and suffragist
Rebecca West. “I know only that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me
from a doormat.”
While a core belief in women’s equality and advancement generally underlies feminist thinking, many issues
are the subject of lively debate within feminist circles. In this course, we will be considering “what feminism
is” with an in-depth look at some of those issues. Is pornography inherently bad for women? Does fostering
equality always require treating women and men exactly the same? Does sex work always degrade women or
can it be empowering? Can a pro-life person call herself a feminist? Are women in positions of power
obligated to help other women? And so on. There will be lots of reading, lots of discussions, and a moderate
amount of writing.
Recommended Preparation: Completion of another WGSS course.
*** You need just 5 WGSS classes for the minor in WGSS (one can be at the
1000 level). Contact Ingrid.semaan@uconn.edu for more information***