Women's Studies Programhttp://www.uwplatt.edu/wsprogram/ Program Office: 446 Gardner Hall Director: Marilyn Gottschalk Phone: 342-1750 E-mail: gottschm@uwplatt.edu
The Women's Studies Program Council includes the Director of the Women's Center; Pat Andersen; Diane Benjamin, Mathematics; Teresa Burns, English; Martha Drummond, English; Marie Erdman, Librarian; Carmen Faymonville, English; Cheryl Fuller, Criminal Justice; Marilyn Gottschalk, English; Deborah Kinder, English; Rea Kirk, Education; Paula Nelson, History; Sherrie Nicol, Mathematics; Barbara Parsons, Philosophy; Joan Riedle, Psychology; Nancy Turner, History; David Van Buren, Criminal Justice; Laura Wendorff, English; Kay Winder, Art; Kathryn Winz, Criminal Justice; David Zierath, Sociology; and one to two student members selected in the fall of each academic year. The Women's Studies Program creates new dimensions in the educational curriculum by expanding students' knowledge and awareness of women's experiences in as many areas as possible. Women's Studies emphasizes the contributions of women and investigates the ways in which societal misconceptions of both sexes have been reflected in the traditional curriculum. This interdisciplinary academic field examines from a feminist perspective the challenges women in particular face. Thus, Women's Studies ultimately provides new insights for individuals seeking to improve the quality of their own lives and of the society in which they live. The Women's Studies Program seeks to enhance the educational and career opportunities of students in traditional academic areas as well as students with a special interest in women's studies. The particular needs and concerns of part-time and continuing education students are also addressed. UW-Platteville students can earn a minor or a certificate in Women's Studies. All Women's Studies Program courses satisfy a general education requirement in humanities, social sciences, wellness, or fine arts. All courses fulfill the general education gender requirement. Some courses can double count for both the ethnic and gender general education requirement.
Women's Studies Minor (24 credits)Requirements include WS 1130 Introduction to Women's Studies and at least one course from each of the following groups. 1. WS 2230 Women, Sex Roles and Society, WS 2830 Psychology of Women, WS 3520 American Women's History, WS 3700 Women in European Civilization, WS 3730 Women and the Law. 2. WS 2830 Survey of Women Writers or WS 3530 Philosophy's Feminist Future: From Powerism to Personalism. 3. WS 4660 Cooperative Field Experience or WS 4730 Individual Research in Women's Studies.
Women's Studies Certificate (15 credits)The basic program consists of an interdisciplinary sequence of courses leading to a certificate in women's studies and a special notation on the transcript. Students enrolled in the certificate program are required to complete 15 credits of course work in Women's Studies, including WS 1130 Introduction to Women's Studies, and a three-credit internship or research project. All Women's Studies courses, including those which are cross-listed under the Women's Studies Program and the co-sponsoring departments, can be used to satisfy the requirements of the certificate program. This curriculum provides a model for students wishing to design individualized course sequences which support their personal and educational goals. Students interested in the certificate program should consult the Director of Women's Studies.
Courses OfferedWomen's Studies
WS 1130 3 credits Introduction to Women's StudiesIntroduction to major issues related to women through an interdisciplinary examination of the images of women in such areas as philosophy, history, literature, psychology and sociology. A primary focus is on 20th century American trends in such institutions as the family, education, law, politics and economics. GE: SS or HUM, G
WS 2230 3 credits Women, Sex Roles and Society(Cross offered under Sociology 2230) An investigation of the status of women and how women live their lives in relationship to each other and to men. The course examines women's current conditions in the U.S., alternative conditions in other times and places, and the prospects for change. Different attempts to explain those conditions and relationships are examined. GE: SS, G WS 2430 3 credits Women and HealthThis course provides a comprehensive view of women's health through a wide variety of experiences and activities, focusing on the various aspects of wellness, mental health, reproductive health issues and the aging process. GE: PE, G
WS 2530 3 credits Psychology of Women(Cross offered under Psychology 2530) Explores the shaping of women's behaviors and self concepts by biological and social influences. Also covers the empirical support for and against gender related differences in behavior and thought. P: three credits in Women's Studies or Psyc 1130. GE: SS, G
WS 2730 3 credits Women in Science and EngineeringThis course deals with the issues which confront women in science-related professions. An examination of the skills and talents needed to succeed is accomplished through study of both women in history and current professionals. GE: SS, G
WS 2830 3 credits Survey of Women Writers(Cross offered under English 2830) Survey of women writers in the English language with a focus on the themes, issues, and concerns that tie women's writing together and create a "women's literary tradition." British, American and international writers are included. P: Engl 1130 and Engl 1230. GE: HUM, G
WS 2930 3 credits Minority Women Writers of the United States(Cross offered under English 2930 or Ethnic Studies 2930) This course explores literature written by Native-American, African-American, Chicana and Asian-American women. In addition to the literature, the course includes investigation of historical and cultural backgrounds as well as literary traditions of minority women writers of the United States. Reading will include such authors as Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Sandra Cisneros, Maxine Hong Kingston, and Leslie Marmon Silko. P: Engl 1130 and Engl 1230. GE: HUM, EGS
WS 3330 2-3 credits Topics in Women's Studies(Cross offered under English 3990) Selected topics in Women's Studies. The specific topic will vary each semester and will be announced in the class schedule. May be repeated for credit under different topic headings. P: Three credits in Women's Studies. GE: EGS credit will depend on course content.
WS 3340 3 credits Management, Gender and Race(Cross offered under Business Administration 3340) This course reviews the changing nature of management and explains why gender and race/ethnicity have become important considerations in business. It examines the status of women and people of color in managerial or administrative positions and discusses socialization processes, stereotypes, equal employment opportunity laws, illegal harassment, and power in organizations. Networking, mentoring, work/life balance, and career planning are other topics that are addressed. P: BSAD 2330 or junior standing. GE: EGS
WS 3430 3 credits Women and the ArtsThe focus is on the contributions of women in the areas of theatre, dance, music, film and the visual arts. In addition to classroom participation, the course includes attendance at live performances and presentations by guest lecturers. GE: FA, G
WS 3520 3 credits American Women's History(Cross offered under History 3520) Surveys the changing patterns of domestic and family life, work, education and public participation of American women from the Colonial period to the present. P: Hist 1330 or Hist 1430 or consent of the instructor or the department chair. GE: HP, G
WS 3530 3 credits Philosophy's Feminist Future: From Powerism to Personalism(Cross offered under Philosophy 3530) With a focus on major representatives of philosophical thought, this course will examine ideas which have promoted civilization along sexist lines and other ideas which can contribute to the development of a new kind of civilization rooted in a respect for persons. P: three credits in Philosophy or WS 1130 or consent of instructor. GE: HUM, G WS 3630 3 credits Ethnic and Gender Equity in Education(Cross offered under Teaching 3630) To increase an appreciation, understanding, and awareness of ethnic and gender equity issues in the educational process and in society. The student will view equity issues through research, historical, philosophical, sociologist, and psychological perspectives and the implications that each area has on the lives of all of us. GE: EGS
WS 3700 3 credits Women in European Civilization(Cross offered under History 3700) The course covers the actions of and attitudes toward women in ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the 19th century and the two modern wars. Analyzes women in the context of family life, work life, education and social movements. P: HIST 1010 or HIST 1020 or consent of instructor. GE: HP, G
WS 3730 3 credits Women and the Law(Cross offered under Criminal Justice 3730) A study of women in their legal roles as wives and mothers, workers and students, criminals and victims of crimes. The course examines how the law affects women's personal choices regarding marriage, having children, and aiming for high-level achievements in education and in work. The course also examines ways in which law affects women in poverty and old age. P: CJ 1130 or one course in Women's Studies and junior standing. GE: SS, G
WS 3740 3 credits Gender Politics(Cross offered under Political Science 3740) Examination of the role of women in the American political system focusing on their voting behavior, participation and achievements. The growth of the feminist movement and its intellectual contributions to American political thought is also examined. P: POSC 1130 and POSC 1230 or 3 credits in Women's Studies. GE: SS, G WS 3830 3 credits Black Women and Feminism in the U.S.An interdisciplinary examination of the historical and contemporary relationship between black women in the U.S. and the feminist movement. Authors discussed will include Frances Harper, Ida Wells-Barnett, Bell Hooks, and Audre Lorde. GE: EGS
WS 4660 1-8 credits Cooperative Field ExperienceEnhancement of the educational experience through placement of a student with a cooperating agency, business, industry or institution. The nature of the assignment, type of experience, number of credits and evaluation procedure to be stipulated in a statement of agreement (learning contract) between the student and department. P: WS 1130, junior standing and approval by the Director of Women's Studies.
WS 4730 1-3 credits Individual Research in Women's StudiesAdvanced work on a scholarly subject or project, to be directed by a faculty member on the Women's Studies Program Council. P: WS 1130, junior standing, consent of the instructor, and approval by the director of Women's Studies.
WS 4770 3 credits Women and Politics(Cross offered under Political Science 4770) An examination of public policy issues affecting women of the debates among feminists about those issues, focusing upon power and contrasting understandings of power in traditional and feminist perspectives. P: junior standing or permission of the instructor. Women's Studies prerequisite: 3 credits in Women's Studies. GE: SS, G |