Fall 2017 Cross Course Guide
WOMEN, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY STUDIES DEPT.
Important note about Major requirements: Some of these courses listed are REQUIRED for a major in WGSS, and others are options that fulfill major elective requirements or HSXL core requirements (H Humanities, S Social Science electives). Consult the WGSS undergraduate advisor (apt. made through 109 Strong Hall) for more assistance with your course options.
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies CORE and Cross-listed courses:
WGSS 101. Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies: An Interdisciplinary Introduction (R major, minor) (S)
WGSS 102. Honors: Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies: An Interdisciplinary Introduction
WGSS 301. Research Methods
WGSS 321. From Mystics to Feminists (Hum. & International)
WGSS 327. Perspectives in: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (S)
WGSS 330. Women in Contemporary African Literature (Hum.)
WGSS 333. Politics of Physical Appearance (S)
WGSS 335. History of Jewish Women (Hum.)
WGSS 351. Women & Leadership: The Legislative Process (S)
WGSS 396. Global Feminism (Hum.)
WGSS 468. Psychology of Women (S)
WGSS 530. Sex and Gender in New Media (Theory)
WGSS 575. Body, Self, and Society (Hum.)
WGSS 600. Contemporary Feminist Theory (S)
WGSS 630. Politics of Identity (S)
WGSS 701. Seminar In: Black Feminist Theory
WGSS 701. Seminar In: History of Emotions
WGSS 701. Seminar In: Sex Crimes
WGSS 775. Advanced Study in Body & Senses
WGSS 800. History of Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
WGSS 801. Feminist Theory
WGSS 803. Topics in: Feminist Pedagogy
WGSS 804. Professional Development
Cross-Referenced Courses: (Courses outside the curriculum that have sufficient WGSS content for students to get WGSS credit)
AAAS 323/415/716. Women and Islam (Hum.)
FMS 620. International Women Filmmakers (Hum.)
HUM 477/REL 477. Gender and Religion (Hum.)
PSYC 410. Intimate Relationships (S)
SOC 110/AMS 110. American Identities (S)
SOC 454. Women & Work (S)
SOC 722. Sociology of Gender (S)
SW 303. Human Sexuality in Everyday Life (S)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
I.Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
WGSS 101. Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies: An Interdisciplinary Introduction – Classroom Lecture (3.0)
Instructor:Katie Batza Time: M/W 2-2:50 Place: 2001 Malott Class #16785
An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of women. Topics may include gender ideologies and views of women, social roles, education, the family, economics, and politics. The major ideas and leaders of feminist movements and theories may also be considered. Topics will be approached from the perspective of both the social sciences and humanities and will include some comparison with non-Western and past cultures.
WGSS 101 Discussion Sections:
Instructor: An Sasala Time: F 12-12:50 Place: 111 Blake Class #14337
Instructor: Time: F 12-12:50 Place: 212 Blake Class #18485
Instructor: Time: F 2-2:50 Place: 111 Blake Class #14338
*Satisfies: KU Core Goal 4 Outcome 1 (AE41), Goal 3 Social Sciences (GE3S), Social Science (S), Culture & Society PC (SC)
ONLINELecture WGSS 101 Course:same course description as above.
Instructor: Liz Stigler Time: Aug. 21–Oct. 13 Place: ONLINE Class #26771
*Satisfies: KU Core Goal 4 Outcome 1 (AE41), Goal 3 Social Sciences (GE3S), Social Science (S), Culture & Society PC (SC)
Instructor: Sarah Deer Time:M/W 3-4:15 Place: 114 Blake Class #26888
This course examines the extensive role of gender in human life and examines the ways that gender structures power relations among individuals and within economic, political, educational and other social structures, with special attention paid to women's issues and movements in the United States and globally. Through readings drawn from the fields of women's studies, gender studies, and sexuality studies, this course examines and explores alternatives to traditional and/or normative constructions of gender and sexuality, and also considers other markers of difference, such as disability, race, class, and religion, which intersect with gender identity and sexual identity. Similar in content to WGSS 201. Open only to students in the University Honors Program or by consent of the instructor.
*Satisfies: KU Core Goal 4 Outcome 1 (AE41),Goal 3 Social Sciences (GE3S),Social Science (S), Culture & Society PC (SC),Honors
WGSS 301. Research Methods (3.0)
Instructor: Stacey Vanderhurst Time: Tues/Th 9:30-10:45 Place: 212 Blake Class #21846
This course provides an introduction to feminist research methods used in the humanities and social sciences, including participant observation, archival research, and oral histories. We will consider the intellectual merits of different research designs as well as the ethics and politics of gender they imply. Coursework will entail opportunities for original fieldwork as well as experience in project development, data management, and composition.*Satisfies: Social Science (S)
WGSS 321. From Mystics to Feminists (3.0)
Instructor: Marta Vicente Time: M/W 11-11:50 Place: Malott 2001 Class #25792
This survey of women's history in Europe looks at changing patterns of women's economic roles and family structures in preindustrial and industrial society, the importance of women in religious life, cultural assumptions underlying gender roles, and the relationship of women to political movements, including the rise of feminism.
WGSS 321 Discussion Sections:
Instructor: Hist. GTA Time: F 11-11:50 Place: 4008 Wescoe Class #25793
Instructor: Hist. GTA Time: F 12-12:50 Place: 4008 Wescoe Class #25794
Instructor: Hist. GTA Time: F 10-10:50 Place: 4002 Wescoe Class #25795
Instructor: Hist. GTA Time: F 11-11:50 Place: 4002 Wescoe Class #25796
*Satisfies: KU Goal 4 Outcome 2 (AE42),Goal 1 Outcome 1 (GE11),Goal 3 Arts and Humanities (GE3H),Humanities (H),Historical Studies PC (HT)
WGSS 327. Perspectives in: Lesbian: Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender (3.0)
Instructor: Abigail Barefoot Time: MWF2-2:50 Place: 212 Blake Class #23283
An exploration of the experiences and histories of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT), including the influences on these experiences by individuals, the state, and artistic, legal and medical discourses and of the intersections between sexual orientation, sexuality, ethnicity, class, and religion.*Satisfies: KU Core Goal 4 Outcome 1 (AE41), Social Science (S)
ONLINEWGSS 327 Courses: same course description as above.
Instructor: Andrew Gilbert Time: Oct. 23 – Dec. 15 Place: ONLINE Class #26772
Instructor: Ashley Mog Time: Aug. 21 – Oct. 13 Place: ONLINE Class #26793
*Satisfies: KU Core Goal 4 Outcome 1 (AE41), Social Science (S)
WGSS 330. Women in Contemporary African Literature (3.0)
Instructor: Aminata Seck Time: MWF 11-11:50 Place: 107 Smith Class #25577
A critical study of issues and questions raised about women in contemporary African literature and implications for the larger society through the analysis of theme, language, characterization, roles and functions of women in selected works. *Satisfies: Goal 4 Outcome 2 (AE42),Goal 3 Arts and Humanities (GE3H), Humanities (H),Non-Western Culture (NW)
WGSS 333. Politics of Physical Appearance (3.0)
Instructor: Jo Kipgen Time: MWF1-1:50 Place: 107 Smith Class #20977
This upper-level course aims to address how the body has been represented in philosophy, cultural studies, history, fiction, and visual culture. While women’s bodies will be an important sight of analysis, this course also aims to conduct an interdisciplinary analysis of standards of physical attractiveness and cultural conceptions of the gendered and racial body. Standards of the “normal” body have changed over time as well as the consequences of possessing “abnormal” bodies. This course will delve into the political, social, and philosophical implications of breaking norms of the body. We will also analyze how the “normal and “abnormal” have been constructed throughout history and in contemporary societies and how this construction enlightens our understanding of those societies. The overall goals are to acquaint you with this field of inquiry and some of the important debates. This course also aims to inspire critical thinking, analytical arguments, and reflective writing.*Satisfies: KU Core Goal 1 Outcome 1 (GE11), Goal 4 Outcome 1 (AE41), Social Science (S)
ONLINEWGSS 333 Course: same course description as above.
Instructor: Liz Stigler Time: Oct. 23 – Dec. 15 Place: ONLINE Class #26773
*Satisfies: KU Core Goal 1 Outcome 1 (GE11), Goal 4 Outcome 1 (AE41), Social Science (S)
WGSS 335. History of Jewish Women (3.0)
Instructor: Frances Sternburg Time: Tues 2:30-5Place: 212 Blake Class #23586
This course explores the history of Jewish women from antiquity to the twentieth century. It examines the historical constructions of women's gender roles and identities in Jewish law and custom as well as the social and cultural impact of those constructions in the context of the realities of women's lives in both Jewish and non-Jewish society.*Satisfies: Humanities (H)
WGSS 351. Womenin Leadership: The Legislative Process (3.0)
Instructor: Barbara Ballard Time: Tues/Th2:30-3:45 Place: 117 Fraser Class #25579
GTA assisting:Mary Louisa Williams
Examines current and historical roles and impacts of women involved in legislatures. Explores what difference women make when they are public officials. Students meet with local women legislators, lobbyists and political officials. Students learn how to analyze issues, access power, lobby, and organize at the grassroots. The course is designed to prepare students for an optional legislative internship during the subsequent semester.*Satisfies: Social Science (S)
WGSS 396. Studies In: Global Feminism (3.0)
Instructor: Stacey Vanderhurst Time: Tues/Th 1-2:15 Place: 212 Blake Class #22253The interdisciplinary study of selected and different aspects of women's studies in different semesters. *Satisfies: Humanities (H)
WGSS 468. Psychology of Women (3.0)
Instructor: Charlene Muehlenhard Time: Tues/Th 11-12:15 Place: 547 Fraser Class #14339
A survey of the psychological theories about women; similarities and differences in the behavior of women and men; the effects of biological and social factors on the behavior of women and men; and issues of concern to women of different races, sexual orientations, ages, and so forth. Prerequisite: PSYC 104 or WGSS 101.*Satisfies:Social Science (S)
WGSS 530. Sex and Gender in New Media (3.0)
Instructor: Andrew Gilbert Time: Aug. 21 – Oct. 13 Place: ONLINE Class #26792
This course examines the construction of sexuality and gender in new media platforms. Students will explore how contemporary media platforms are used to reify dominant representations, and produce new or alternative expressions of identity, culture or political engagement.*Satisfies: Social Science (S)
WGSS 575. Body, Self, and Society (3.0)
Instructor: Chris Forth Time: Tues/Th 9:30-10:45 Place: 506 Summerfield Class #26600
An examination of the role of the human body in the creation of personal and social identities in the West since the sixteenth century. Contemporary theories of embodiment are applied to a variety of historical themes, which may include posture, manners and morality; cleanliness and hygiene; exercise, dieting and body-building; sexuality and personal identity; fashion, make-up and cosmetic surgery; vegetarianism, self-help literature and alternative medicine; tattooing and body modification; and the history of the senses.*Satisfies: Humanities (H)
WGSS 600. Contemporary Feminist Theory (3.0)
Instructor: Hannah Britton Time: M/W 12:30-1:45Place: 207 Blake Class #25658
A detailed introduction to feminist thought post-1960. Examines feminism in relation to the categories of political theory: liberal feminism, socialist feminism, radical feminism, and postmodern feminism. Within these categories and separately, we will also consider feminism as it is influenced by women traditionally excluded from mainstream feminist thought, namely U.S. women of color and women of post-colonial societies. Prerequisite:WGSS 101 or a 100-level POLS course or permission of instructor.
WGSS 630. Politics of Identity (3.0)
Instructor: Patrick MillerTime: Tues/Th 1-2:15 Place: 207 Blake Class #25879
This seminar explores the nature of identity and how identity is relevant to politics and policy with a focus on political attitudes and behavior, institutions, and public policy. Topics include individual and group identity, identities such as gender, racial, sexual orientation, and partisan, and the enduring importance of identity for understanding politics as well as the policy process. The approach is multidisciplinary but political science perspectives are relied on more heavily. Prerequisite: Sophomore level, in POLS,or consent of the instructor.*Satisfies: Goal 4 Outcome 1 (AE41),Social Science (S)
WGSS 650. Service Learning in Women Studies (3.0) *Satisfies: Social Science (S)
Instructor: *Per WGSS Faculty Approval Time: *By Appt. Place: *By Appt.
This course, to be taken in the senior year, is designed to give students the opportunity to apply women’s studies knowledge and ideas gained through course work to real-life situations invarious agencies and women’s centers. Open to Women’s Studies majors and others with significant Women’s Studies backgrounds. Service Learning allows students to apply theories and information gained in WGSS and related courses in community work settings. It should not duplicate any other regularly available course. It should include both an academic and a service component.
*WGSS 650 - Before the Semester Starts
Before the semester starts, the student should identify an agency at which to work. You might already be volunteering at the agency. If not, you might be able to identify opportunities for volunteering at the following sources:
KU's Center for Service Learning
KU's Career Center
KU's Center for Community Outreach
Identify two supervisors: an agency supervisor (who will supervise and evaluate your work at the agency) and a WGSS faculty supervisor (who will supervise the academic portion of your work and assign a grade). The agency supervisor should write a brief statement outlining your responsibilities at the agency. The faculty supervisor should receive a copy of this statement.
You and the faculty supervisor write and sign a contract (WGSS office has samples of the contract) that you will do at the agency, what academic work you will do (reading materials and written work relevant to your service), how often you and the faculty supervisor will meet during the semester, and how you will be graded. Generally, students should expect to work approximately 9 hours a week for a 3 credit hour course (consisting of 13 weeks/semester).
*This means that students are expected to work at an agency 117 hours/semester (9 hrs/wk x 13 wks) and conduct academic work for an additional 39 hours (3 hrs/wk x 13 wks).
*WGSS 650 - During the Semester
You would provide service to the agency, meet with the faculty supervisor, and do the academic work specified in the contract.
*WGSS 650 - At the End of the Semester
You ask the agency supervisor to send a letter or email to the faculty supervisor summarizing and evaluating your work.
You turn in all academic work specified in the contract.
The faculty supervisor then assigns a grade.
WGSS 701. Seminar In: Black Feminist Theory(3.0)
Instructor: Ayesha Hardison Time: Tues 5:30-8 Place: 329 Blake Class #25576
This course will study the critical discourse produced by black female intellectuals, writers, and activists about their race, gender, sexual, and class identities. Students will explore black women’s distinct positionality through an examinationofblack feminist theory andpraxisfrom the nineteenthcentury to the contemporary moment.
WGSS 701. Seminar In: History of Emotions (3.0)
Instructor: Chris Forth Time: Tues 7-9:30 Place: 3659 Wescoe Class #26491
This colloquium introduces students to theoretical and topical readings in the history of emotions. This relatively recent, interdisciplinary field enlists insights from cognitive psychology and cultural anthropology to understand the representation and experience of emotions in the past. The colloquium seeks a balance between theory and application, as well as between recent and classic texts, while striving for coverage across a relatively broad temporal and geographic field. The historical background and theoretical tools of the field will be explored in depth, with some consideration of how the conceptual basis of the history of emotions relates to affect theory as practiced in other disciplines. The colloquium will then focus on the close reading of key texts in a variety of time periods and global locations.
WGSS 701. Seminar In: Sex Crimes (3.0)
Instructor: Corey YoungTime: MTuesW 11:25-12:20Place: 127 Green Class #24786
This course focuses on theory, empirical research, and doctrine related to substantive sex crimes and collateral restrictions on sex offenders. In particular, the course addresses rape, child molestation, incest, child pornography, prostitution, obscenity, and the legal pornography industry. In the latter part of the semester, students will also explore emerging legal issues surrounding sex offender registration requirements, residency restrictions, and civil commitment. Student will be graded based on class participation, an in-class presentation, and a paper related to topics covered in the course.
WGSS 775. Advanced Study in Body & Senses (3.0)
Instructor: Chris ForthTime: Tues/Th 9:30-10:45 Place: 506 Summerfield Class #23669
An intensive examination of the role of the human body in the creation of personal and social identities in the West since the sixteenth century. Emphasis is on understanding how contemporary theories of embodiment are applied to concrete historical or contemporary problems. May be repeated if course content varies sufficiently.
WGSS 800. History of Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies (3.0)
Instructor: Ann Schofield Time: Wed3-5:30 Place: 329 Blake Class #23253
This course explores the history of the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies as a field. Three main questions drive this course:
1) How and why did the field develop as it did?
2) What was and is the historical context for the field’s development?
3) How does the history of the field inform our current and future work as scholars in this field?
In answering these questions students will gain a solid knowledge of canonical texts, the evolution of the field, and the historical context in which it evolved. Students will be better able to place current research and scholarship (including their own) in conversation with texts and conversations spanning the history of the field. Students will be better able to convincingly communicate their knowledge and perspectives through writing, discussion, and oral presentation.
WGSS 801. Feminist Theory(3.0)
Instructor: Hannah Britton Time: Mon 4-7 Place: 329 Blake Class #14343
A survey of contemporary feminist theories produced within and across disciplines (including but not limited to, eco-feminism, and liberal, cultural, materialist, psychoanalytic, radical, and black feminist thought). Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the instructor.
WGSS 803. Topics in Feminist Pedagogy (0.5)
Instructor: Katie Batza Time: Wed 1-1:50 Place: 329 Blake Class #18663
The goal of the course is to teach students to teach. By reading core texts of feminist pedagogy, understanding critical theories, and attending seminars at the Center for Teaching Excellence selected by instructor and student, students will learn how to present knowledge and stimulate leaning in the classroom, as well as such practical skills as leading discussion sections, preparing and presenting class sessions, developing syllabi, devising fair grading and helpful advising, and solving pedagogical problems like maintaining civility in the classroom and coping with academic misconduct. Must be repeated twice for a total of 1 credit hour while actively teaching. Prerequisite: Must be a Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies graduate student.