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What is women’s studies?
Women’s studies examines women’s roles, achievements and experiences, both historically and across cultures. Women have been studied for a long time, but only recently have women significantly influenced methodology and how that knowledge has been put to use. Women’s studies courses examine the contributions, perspectives, experiences, roles, and status of women within an historical and multicultural framework. Challenging the stereotypes of women and men, our students explore the ways gender, socioeconomic class, sexual identity, race, ethnicity and age shape experience. An interdisciplinary field, women’s studies embraces the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences. Women’s studies brings to light valuable information about women in the family and at work, in the arts, in politics, and in the science—information that traditionally has been ignored. Women’s studies also explores female behavior and the realities of women’s lives. It examines how femininity and masculinity are socially and culturally molded rather than determined by biology alone.
Who can take women’s studies?
Don’t let the name mislead you. Women’s studies is not just about women, nor is it about male-bashing or gender wars. Rather, women’s studies courses cover a broad range of subjects with sensitivity to gender, race, sexual orientation, and class. Women and men are involved in the program both as professors and students.
Social work graduate student William Townsend finds women’s studies enriching personally and intellectually. Raised primarily by his mother, Townsend finds Women’s Studies helped him to understand why, with a mother as a sole breadwinner, he was raised in poverty.
“I try to encourage other males to take women’s studies courses because they will enable them to work in diverse groups,” said Townsend.
Many men have graduated from the women’s studies program with certificates or minors and hundreds more take courses such as Women’s Studies 170, the introductory course.
“I think that all students should take women’s studies classes to broaden their views,” said David “Hoby” Botero, a communications and Spanish major from Colombia. “It is a key to a new world. Little by little, we can find a common equality.”
What will women’s studies do for me?
WVU students say women’s studies courses help them grow both personally and academically. Typical comments include: “I learned self-awareness and leadership skills.” “I found my ‘voice’ and courage to express my own opinions.” I learned about networking, risk-taking, nurturing and respecting people different from myself.” “Women’s studies taught me how to think about a question from all sides.” “Women’s studies gave me support. I know now I’m not the only feminist at this university.”
How Do I Get A Degree In women’s studies?
Currently, there are several undergraduate degrees available for women’s studies students, including minor and major options. Graduate students may pursue either a graduate certificate or the women’s studies-directed Master of Liberal Arts M.A.L.S. degree. If you have questions about these degree options, you can contact the Center for Women’s Studies at 218 Eiesland Hall (304-293-2339) for more information,. Check in at least once a semester with the Center to update your progress toward graduation.
Why take women’s studies courses?
Business, public administration, health care, communications, law, teaching, social work, counseling, creative arts, government and journalism are all fields in which a major, minor, or graduate certificate in women’s studies is a valuable professional credential.
Over 2,000 students now enroll annually in women’s studies courses available throughout WVU. Women’s studies faculty associates in many departments teach a wide variety of courses, and new courses are being continually added. Many women’s studies courses fulfill Liberal Studies Program requirements or certain GEC objectives.