Prerequisite Grade

Any course listed in this program with a prerequisite assumes a grade of C– or better in the prerequisite course.

Core Courses

1 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Women’s and Gender Studies. The course provides a broad perspective on Women’s and Gender Studies research in a variety of disciplines (including sociology, psychology, politics, philosophy, history, and literature). Topics include the historically changing representations of women; the history of the women’s movement in the United States; and issues of contemporary feminism. A goal of the course is for each student to develop a critical perspective on the meaning of gender in our society. This course fulfills Area C requirement. (Area A by petition.)

100 Research Seminar on Special Topics in Women’s and Gender Studies
An exploration of a theme or problem area in the field of Women’s and Gender Studies. Possible topic areas include: women and work; gender and science; gender and popular culture; women in the third world; cultural representations of gender; women and the media; masculinity. The course combines seminar discussions of texts that represent a variety of methodologies and disciplines with research papers. Research topics are designed by individual students in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: Women’s and Gender Studies 1 or permission of instructor.

177 Feminist and Gender Theories
This seminar provides a series of inquiries into the diverse theoretical frameworks of contemporary feminism. Critical race theory, cultural studies, post-structuralism, Marxist and postcolonial theories, gender difference and queer theories, and third-wave identity politics are a few of the directions in discussion and research. Prerequisite: upper division status or permission of instructor.

190 Senior Capstone
Critical examination of theories and issues in contemporary Women’s and Gender Studies methodologies. Directed readings, research, and writing of a final senior paper or project under the supervision and approval of instructor. At the conclusion of the term, students are expected to present their work at a program colloquium of faculty and students. Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; Women’s and Gender Studies 1; Women’s and Gender Studies 100 and 177. Open to minors upon approval of director and instructor of the course. (In the case of a split or double major, Women’s and Gender Studies 190 may be taken in conjunction with thesis work in the other discipline. In the case of a minor, Women’s and Gender Studies 190 may be taken in conjunction with thesis work in the major.)

Regularly Offered Electives

88 Biology of Women
Biology of women is an introduction to the structure, physiology, and genetics of women across the lifespan. We study physiology and development from conception, through puberty, pregnancy and aging. The first half of the course explores the genetic, hormonal, and developmental basis for one’s gender. The latter part of the course deals with specific health concerns of women and focus on the high frequency or uniquely gender-related illnesses and their physiologic basis. (Cross-listed as Biology 88.)

106 Gender Politics
A study of the social, economic, political, and legal status of women in contemporary America. The course is an introductory survey of the dynamic changes taking place in the relationship between women and men. Topics include the history of women’s liberation movements, the Equal Rights Amendment, abortion, sexism in the workplace, feminist social theory, and women in politics. (Cross-listed as Politics 106.)

115 Theories of Justice
The course examines different definitions and views of justice: justice and race; justice and gender; justice and welfare; international justice; justice and the law; environmental law; court cases and current debates on euthanasia, abortion, and pornography. (Cross-listed as Politics 115.)

116 New Immigrants and Refugees
Looks at the attitudinal and legal reactions to immigrants and refugees in the United States in the 20th century. Emphasis is placed on the new Americans, why they come, and how they differ from earlier migrants. Special attention is given to the impact of new immigrant groups in California. Prerequisite: Anthro 1. (Cross-listed as Sociology 116.)

120 Transgression and Defiance in the Texts of Contemporary Latin American Women Writers (in Spanish)
Women’s writing in Latin America has transformed traditional images of women, their societies, and the cultural and political context that they narrate. This course is a survey of Latin American women writers breaking out of the literary tradition. (Cross-listed as Modern Languages 120.)

121 Dance History 1
This course covers the development of dance from its roots in court dancing through the development of ballet to the beginning of the modern era. Students attend professional dance concerts in the Bay Area. (Cross-listed as Performing Arts 121.)

125 Gender and Society
While sex differences are biological, gender encompasses the traits that society assigns to and inculcates in males and females. This course studies the latter: the interplay between gender and society. It takes an inclusive perspective, with a focus on men and women in different cultural contexts defined by ethnic group membership, sexuality and socioeconomic status.

139 History of Women in America
A study of the changing roles and status of American women from the Colonial period to the present. Topics considered include work and family life, the legal status of women, education, reform movements, and the campaigns for suffrage and women’s rights. (Cross-listed as History 139.)

147 Psychology of Gender
Examines how psychological, biological and social factors influence the development of masculine and feminine gender roles, and explores how these gender roles, in turn, influence development of the self and our social behavior. Prerequisites: Psych 1 and 2 (Cross-listed as Psych 147.)

153 U.S. Latino/a Literature and the Americas (In English)
An introduction to the literature and cultures of Latinos/as in the United States, with prose and poetry from Chicanos/as, Cuban-Americans, Dominican-Americans, and Puerto Ricans, exploring memory, exile, language, family, and displacement. (Cross-listed as English 153.)

160 Women and Religion in North America
An exploration of the relationship between women, religion, gender, and power in North America, including topics such as the devotion to St. Jude and the Virgin of Guadeloupe, Muslim women and the hijab. Jewish feminism, and Catholic nuns. (Cross-listed as Theology and Religious Studies 160)

173 Women Writers
Intensive study of some aspect of literature by women. Examples of possible topics are: 19th-century British novelists; contemporary women poets; American and Canadian short story writers. May be repeated for credit as content varies. (Cross-listed as English 173.)

**In addition, new courses are approved on a term-to-term basis. Examples of such electives include English 154 (African-American women writers) or 141 (medieval women writers), Art History 194 (history of women artists).