Women's Studies
- Course Descriptions
WST 201 Foundations in Women’s StudiesThis multidisciplinary course introduces students to the contributions of women in history, religion, literature, philosophy, sciences, and the arts, and how the questions and methodologies of these disciplines differ when seen from women’s perspectives. Students will also study the diversity of women’s experiences in terms of race, sexual orientation, and class.
WST 281 Topics in Women’s Studies
WST 305 Issues in Gay and Lesbian Studies
A study of basic issues surrounding sexual orientation in the contemporary U.S. culture including various disciplinary perspectives and theory. The course may include guest speakers, a service-learning component at local glbt/supporting agencies, and some travel and experiences in the Twin Cities, as well as an immersion experience outside of class time. Required experiential education fee. Prerequisites: WST 201 or prior coursework in related fields (history, sociology, psychology) or consent of the instructor(s).
WST 313 Environmental Issues in Latin America: Environmental Theology and Ethics
(CGE Course. See International Studies, Social Justice, Gender and the Environment)
WST 315 Mid-Level Feminist Theory
This multidisciplinary and multicultural feminist theory course focuses on the global voices often marginalized by the feminist canon. A variety of texts—including personal narratives, political statements, origin stories, and empirical studies—will be analyzed to highlight different theoretical approaches and multiple feminisms.
WST 341 Globalization, Social Struggles and the Environment
(CGE Course. See International Studies, Social Justice, Gender and the Environment)
HIS 195/INS 233 Promoting Justice and Seeking Equality: Globalization and Women's Grassroots Movements in Latin America
HIS/WST/ISS 355 Cultural Conflict and Change in Latin America
(CGE Course. See International Studies, Sustainable Development and Social Change (Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua))
WST 357 Mexican History, Culture and Cosmovision
(CGE course. See International Studies, Social Justice, Gender and the Environment)
WST 359 Women, Gender and Social Change in Latin America
(CGE Course. See International Studies, Crossing Borders: Gender and Social Change in Mesoamerica.)
WST 362 Walking the Truth: Culture, Gender and HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa
This broad-based course explores the influence of culture and gender on the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. The natural history, biology, and epidemiology of AIDS in Africa, as well as socio-cultural, ethical, theological and political responses to the disease are examined. (Augsburg Abroad course, Summer)
WST 366 Latin American Liberation Theologies
(CGE Course. See International Studies, Crossing Borders: Gender and Social Change in Mesoamerica.)
WST 481 Topics in Women’s Studies
WST 490/495 Keystone/Women’s Studies Seminar
This advanced course will include student research and presentations that incorporate feminist theory. The seminar is required of all majors and satisfies the Keystone requirement. It is also required of minors who do not elect to do an independent study (499). It is offered at a different college each semester.
AIS 233 Women: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
This course will examine a variety of issues concerning the lives of women in non-Western societies, including their economic, political and social contributions, familial roles, and status in society. Emphasis will be placed on the comparative roles of women in different cultures.
AIS 320 American Indian Women
(See American Indian Studies for course description.)
AIS 490/305 Keystone/Indigenous Issues of Central America
This travel seminar explores issues faced by Indigenous peoples of Guatemala, Nicaragua, or Mexico. Each group faces similar challenges that manifest differently due to the political, social, and cultural influences of the dominant culture in each country. Students will learn about sovereignty, land rights, economy, religion, cultural survival, women's issues, and political movements through site visits and interaction with Indigenous organizations.
Internships and Independent Study Courses (Must be approved in writing by the women’s studies coordinator):
WST 199 Internship
WST 299 Directed Study
WST 399 Internship
WST 499 Independent Study/Research
See department listings for descriptions of the following approved electives:
- AIS 208/408 Native American Women and Film
- ART 352 Women and Art
- ENL 365 Contemporary Post Colonial Fiction
- ENL 367 Women and Fiction
- HIS 282 History of Women Since 1850
- HPE 316 Human Sexuality
- POL 124 American Women and Politics
- REL 441 Feminism and Christianity
- SOC 231 Family Systems
- SOC 265 Race, Class, and Gender
- SOC 295 Sociology of Sexuality