Women's and Gender Studies Courses
Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog & Student Handbook, and/or the Program Coordinator to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.
WGS 102
West Civ II:Std in Gendr (HIS)
Offered: Typically every spring term
An examination of the experiences of women and men to determine how gender roles have contributed to and shaped by the religious, political and social history of 'the West.' This course is arranged topically and chronologically from the Renaissance through the success of the parity movement in France at the beginning of the 21st century. Topics to be considered include: religious reform; scientific understandings of the body; national revolutions; industrialization and the sexual division of labor; widening political opportunities; socialism, feminism; empire-building; and warfare. Western History Perspective and African American, Appalachian, and Women's Perspective. 1 course credit
An examination of the experiences of women and men to determine how gender roles have contributed to and shaped by the religious, political and social history of 'the West.' This course is arranged topically and chronologically from the Renaissance through the success of the parity movement in France at the beginning of the 21st century. Topics to be considered include: religious reform; scientific understandings of the body; national revolutions; industrialization and the sexual division of labor; widening political opportunities; socialism, feminism; empire-building; and warfare. Western History Perspective and African American, Appalachian, and Women's Perspective. 1 course credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 110
Sex & the City: Intro Global
Prerequisites: None
Summer Course Only
This course will use readings and film to explore issues in contemporary sexuality focusing on major cities in Africa, Spain, and India. Both positive and negative implications for sexual behavior will be explored through a global feminist, sex positive lens. Topics may include: sex work (prostitution), sex trafficking, cultural customs, religious influence, LGBTQ identity politics, sexual rights and reproductive health.
Summer Course Only
This course will use readings and film to explore issues in contemporary sexuality focusing on major cities in Africa, Spain, and India. Both positive and negative implications for sexual behavior will be explored through a global feminist, sex positive lens. Topics may include: sex work (prostitution), sex trafficking, cultural customs, religious influence, LGBTQ identity politics, sexual rights and reproductive health.
1 Course Credit
WGS 111
Human Sexuality (HLT)
Offered: Typically alternate Spring terms (next offered
This class examines the biological, physiological, psychological, social, and ethical factors that affect human sexuality and interpersonal relationships. Through lecture, small- and large-group discussions, debates, audiovisuals, guest speakers, and directed reading assignments, the focus will be on reality-oriented sexual behavior and attitudes; needs and interests of college students; positive satisfaction, obligations, and responsibility to self and others; sexual deviance; influence of society; and changing mores, roles, and lifestyles. 1 course credit
This class examines the biological, physiological, psychological, social, and ethical factors that affect human sexuality and interpersonal relationships. Through lecture, small- and large-group discussions, debates, audiovisuals, guest speakers, and directed reading assignments, the focus will be on reality-oriented sexual behavior and attitudes; needs and interests of college students; positive satisfaction, obligations, and responsibility to self and others; sexual deviance; influence of society; and changing mores, roles, and lifestyles. 1 course credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 124
Intro to Women & Gender Studie
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
What is Women's and Gender Studies? What is feminism? What have been the historic roles of women in the United States? In the world? How are women's experiences similar? How do they differ? How do class, race, and ethnicity shape gender development? Any student who has ever asked her/himself any of these questions can begin to explore answers in this introductory course in Women's and Gender Studies. The interdisciplinary field of Women's Studies draws from the often neglected experience of women in order to describe, analyze, and more fully understand the gendered world order. Students will read several primary-source selections from each of the different eras of the international feminist movement, as well as complementary texts in women's history and literature. This introduction to Women's and Gender Studies will engage students in a deeply personal and academic journey that involves classroom discussion of individuals' perceptions and critiques, and journal responses to both discussion and reading African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
What is Women's and Gender Studies? What is feminism? What have been the historic roles of women in the United States? In the world? How are women's experiences similar? How do they differ? How do class, race, and ethnicity shape gender development? Any student who has ever asked her/himself any of these questions can begin to explore answers in this introductory course in Women's and Gender Studies. The interdisciplinary field of Women's Studies draws from the often neglected experience of women in order to describe, analyze, and more fully understand the gendered world order. Students will read several primary-source selections from each of the different eras of the international feminist movement, as well as complementary texts in women's history and literature. This introduction to Women's and Gender Studies will engage students in a deeply personal and academic journey that involves classroom discussion of individuals' perceptions and critiques, and journal responses to both discussion and reading African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 127
Riding the Waves of Feminism
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2014?)
This course will analyze the various "waves" of feminism, (First, Second, and Third) as the wave metaphor indicates that each moment in feminism has flowed naturally into the next moment. The course will spend a significant amount of time analyzing the positions of women of color, especially African American women, in the Second Wave, which ushered in the contemporary feminist movement, and how the critiques of various women of color and women from other marginalized communities (lesbians, women of lower-socioeconomic classes) challenged mainstream, white, middle class feminism to recognize the different positionalities of all women. African American, Appalachians, and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
This course will analyze the various "waves" of feminism, (First, Second, and Third) as the wave metaphor indicates that each moment in feminism has flowed naturally into the next moment. The course will spend a significant amount of time analyzing the positions of women of color, especially African American women, in the Second Wave, which ushered in the contemporary feminist movement, and how the critiques of various women of color and women from other marginalized communities (lesbians, women of lower-socioeconomic classes) challenged mainstream, white, middle class feminism to recognize the different positionalities of all women. African American, Appalachians, and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 135
African-American Women Writers
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2012)
How have African-American women writers coped with invisibility? How have they emerged from silence and created visions of identity and culture? This course will examine the writings of African-American women as a separate and distinct cultural group and the ways in which their writing is an expression of the culture and a historical record of its development. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
How have African-American women writers coped with invisibility? How have they emerged from silence and created visions of identity and culture? This course will examine the writings of African-American women as a separate and distinct cultural group and the ways in which their writing is an expression of the culture and a historical record of its development. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 202
Women & Afr Amer-Pol (AFR/PSC)
Prerequisite: GSTR 210
Offered: Typically Fall Terms
A study of the participation of women and African Americans in the American political process. Theories of representative democracy and an introduction to the historical struggles for equal rights provide a context for the investigation of contemporary electoral politics, governance, grassroots politics, and public policy. Students examine the progress of women candidates, and of related public-policy issues, throughout the current election and its immediate aftermath. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. NOTE: In order to receive African and African American Studies or Women's and Gender Studies major or minor credit, the student's major project must focus on African Americans or women, respectively. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically Fall Terms
A study of the participation of women and African Americans in the American political process. Theories of representative democracy and an introduction to the historical struggles for equal rights provide a context for the investigation of contemporary electoral politics, governance, grassroots politics, and public policy. Students examine the progress of women candidates, and of related public-policy issues, throughout the current election and its immediate aftermath. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. NOTE: In order to receive African and African American Studies or Women's and Gender Studies major or minor credit, the student's major project must focus on African Americans or women, respectively. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 207
Family Relations (CFS)
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 (or waiver)
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
An introductory survey of the psycho-social aspects of family science, including an examination of functions and variations over the life cycle, diverse family forms, gender roles and power, family resources, healthy intimate relations and personal communication, and issues of parenthood. This course balances theory and personal application. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and Social Science Perspective. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
An introductory survey of the psycho-social aspects of family science, including an examination of functions and variations over the life cycle, diverse family forms, gender roles and power, family resources, healthy intimate relations and personal communication, and issues of parenthood. This course balances theory and personal application. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and Social Science Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 211
Women in Religion (REL)
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 (or waiver)
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2013)
A study of the teachings on and participation of women in religion, as well as a study of the status and roles of women in several religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, or indigenous religious traditions. Religion Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2013)
A study of the teachings on and participation of women in religion, as well as a study of the status and roles of women in several religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, or indigenous religious traditions. Religion Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 212
Lit-Caribbean Women (ENG/AFR)
Prerequisite: GSTR 210
Offered: Typically alternate years
This course is an exploration of voices of women in the Caribbean. We will read works by writers from the Anglo-Caribbean, French Caribbean, and Hispanic Caribbean. These writers represent the islands of Jamaica, Cuba, Guadalupe, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados. Their works investigate issues of racial configuration, relationships between women, politics, colonialism and post-colonialism, and the creation of the island space. We will look at the long, turbulent history of the island of Hispaniola from the perspective of both the Haitian and Dominican, the complex history of each of these island nations, and other important topics. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically alternate years
This course is an exploration of voices of women in the Caribbean. We will read works by writers from the Anglo-Caribbean, French Caribbean, and Hispanic Caribbean. These writers represent the islands of Jamaica, Cuba, Guadalupe, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados. Their works investigate issues of racial configuration, relationships between women, politics, colonialism and post-colonialism, and the creation of the island space. We will look at the long, turbulent history of the island of Hispaniola from the perspective of both the Haitian and Dominican, the complex history of each of these island nations, and other important topics. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 220
Gender in Appalachia (APS)
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
An interdisciplinary exploration of gender and its impact on the Appalachian region. Proceeding from the assumption that cultural constructions of sex, sexuality, and gender are basic to our understandings of the world, we will investigate such topics as family and community; intimacy, violence, and power; health and reproduction; home and work; religion and spirituality; masculinity and femininity; activism and resistance in Appalachia. The diversity of Appalachian experiences will be explored through fiction and non-fiction readings, films, and discussion. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
An interdisciplinary exploration of gender and its impact on the Appalachian region. Proceeding from the assumption that cultural constructions of sex, sexuality, and gender are basic to our understandings of the world, we will investigate such topics as family and community; intimacy, violence, and power; health and reproduction; home and work; religion and spirituality; masculinity and femininity; activism and resistance in Appalachia. The diversity of Appalachian experiences will be explored through fiction and non-fiction readings, films, and discussion. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 223
Theologies of Liberation (REL)
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 (or waiver)
Offered: Typically alternate years (offered Spring 2012
An exploration of the rise of political liberation theology movements and their critiques of and novel contributions to traditional expressions of Christian theology. Focus on understandings of theory and praxis, race, gender, class dimensions of social analysis, and re-constructions of the concepts of Christ and God. Religion Perspective. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically alternate years (offered Spring 2012
An exploration of the rise of political liberation theology movements and their critiques of and novel contributions to traditional expressions of Christian theology. Focus on understandings of theory and praxis, race, gender, class dimensions of social analysis, and re-constructions of the concepts of Christ and God. Religion Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 225
Envr Justice(AFR/SENS/PSJ/APS)
Prerequisite: GSTR 210
Offered: Typically alternate years
This course is an introduction to the study of Environmental Justice and issues associated with access to, and equitable sharing of, the products of a healthy environment, including clean water and air, healthy food, non-toxic communities, and environmental security. The history of the environmental justice movement beginning with its foundations in the Civil Rights and Environmental movements will be studied, followed by a survey and analysis of current issues of environmental justice, particularly in relation to minority and poor communities in the United States and worldwide. Emphasis is placed on the role of women and African Americans as participants in the environmental justice movement, and the analysis of environmental justice issues in Appalachia. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically alternate years
This course is an introduction to the study of Environmental Justice and issues associated with access to, and equitable sharing of, the products of a healthy environment, including clean water and air, healthy food, non-toxic communities, and environmental security. The history of the environmental justice movement beginning with its foundations in the Civil Rights and Environmental movements will be studied, followed by a survey and analysis of current issues of environmental justice, particularly in relation to minority and poor communities in the United States and worldwide. Emphasis is placed on the role of women and African Americans as participants in the environmental justice movement, and the analysis of environmental justice issues in Appalachia. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 236
Women & Health (HLT)
Prerequisite: HLT 215 OR a college course in Women's and Gender Studies OR permission of instructor
Offered: Typically alternate years
This course will help students understand women's health from a personal perspective and then connect that understanding to the health of women in other parts of the world. Emphasis will be on reproductive health, including pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, but we will also study issues such as environmental health, violence against women, and AIDS as a global health problem. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically alternate years
This course will help students understand women's health from a personal perspective and then connect that understanding to the health of women in other parts of the world. Emphasis will be on reproductive health, including pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, but we will also study issues such as environmental health, violence against women, and AIDS as a global health problem. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 237
Women and Literature (ENG)
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2013)
Selected literature by women, focusing on works written in English. Emphasis on historical background and ethnic and cultural influences. African American, Appalachian, and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2013)
Selected literature by women, focusing on works written in English. Emphasis on historical background and ethnic and cultural influences. African American, Appalachian, and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 302
Intro to Queer Theory (ENG)
Prerequisite: WGS 124 or ENG 110 or permission
Offered: Typically offered alternate years
An introduction to the discipline of Queer Theory, this course examines Western constructions of gender and sexuality focusing on traditional discourses surrounding Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transsexual/Queer (LGBTQ) and heterosexual identities. The lens of Queer Theory provides a framework for exploring issues related to sexuality, including but not limited to: essentialism, marginalization, heterosexism, and homophobia. The course also takes a brief look at LGBTQ history, focusing primarily on the LGBTQ liberation movement.
Offered: Typically offered alternate years
An introduction to the discipline of Queer Theory, this course examines Western constructions of gender and sexuality focusing on traditional discourses surrounding Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transsexual/Queer (LGBTQ) and heterosexual identities. The lens of Queer Theory provides a framework for exploring issues related to sexuality, including but not limited to: essentialism, marginalization, heterosexism, and homophobia. The course also takes a brief look at LGBTQ history, focusing primarily on the LGBTQ liberation movement.
1 Course Credit
WGS 310
Communication and Gender (COM)
Prerequisite: GSTR 210or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically alternate years
An examination of the role of gender in communication at the interpersonal, public, and cultural levels. Includes the study of historical and contemporary scholarship on gender, media representations of femininity and masculinity; similarities and differences in communication styles among the genders; and the role played by communication in the shaping of gender.
Offered: Typically alternate years
An examination of the role of gender in communication at the interpersonal, public, and cultural levels. Includes the study of historical and contemporary scholarship on gender, media representations of femininity and masculinity; similarities and differences in communication styles among the genders; and the role played by communication in the shaping of gender.
1 Course Credit
WGS 315
Classic Texts in Women's & Gen
Prerequisite: WGS 124 or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically alternate years
A study of the Western version of the Women's and Gender Studies Canon, with readings spanning the last two centuries in history, philosophy, literature, psychology, sociology, biography, and critical theory. Both old and new classic texts will be paired together to help students develop a coherent narrative about gender and sexuality over the past two hundred years. In addition, the idea of a "canon" will be raised as a problematic issue in a rapidly changing academic field. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.
Offered: Typically alternate years
A study of the Western version of the Women's and Gender Studies Canon, with readings spanning the last two centuries in history, philosophy, literature, psychology, sociology, biography, and critical theory. Both old and new classic texts will be paired together to help students develop a coherent narrative about gender and sexuality over the past two hundred years. In addition, the idea of a "canon" will be raised as a problematic issue in a rapidly changing academic field. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.
1 Course Credit
WGS 325
Gender and Sex Roles (SOC)
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or PSY 100 or CFS 130 AND GSTR 210
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2014)
An examination of the behaviors and expectations of being male and female and the resulting relationships among men and women across the life cycle. Attention is given to current issues of gender roles and socialization, the family, education, employment, social class, and dynamics of social change. 1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2014)
An examination of the behaviors and expectations of being male and female and the resulting relationships among men and women across the life cycle. Attention is given to current issues of gender roles and socialization, the family, education, employment, social class, and dynamics of social change. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 350
Seminar I
Prerequisite: WGS 124 and junior standing
Offered: Typically annually (first offered Fall 2010)
An exploration of diverse academic theories and feminist philosophies as these apply to current and historical conditions. This course will interrogate theories of gender, women's subjectivity, social identity, political identity, and transnational feminism. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed WGS 358.
1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically annually (first offered Fall 2010)
An exploration of diverse academic theories and feminist philosophies as these apply to current and historical conditions. This course will interrogate theories of gender, women's subjectivity, social identity, political identity, and transnational feminism. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed WGS 358.
1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 366
Cross-Cultrl Persp-Fam(CFS)
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Fall Term (next offered term yet to be determined)
Study of cultural influences upon family functions, structures, and behaviors, focusing on the recognition and understanding of cultural similarities and differences. Covers topics such as cross-cultural interrelationships among economy, government, religion and family; kinship systems and patterns of marital residence; cultural variations in power distribution and sex roles; differences in childrearing patterns; universal shifts from 'traditional' families; and variations in roles of aging family members. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically every Fall Term (next offered term yet to be determined)
Study of cultural influences upon family functions, structures, and behaviors, focusing on the recognition and understanding of cultural similarities and differences. Covers topics such as cross-cultural interrelationships among economy, government, religion and family; kinship systems and patterns of marital residence; cultural variations in power distribution and sex roles; differences in childrearing patterns; universal shifts from 'traditional' families; and variations in roles of aging family members. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 450
Seminar II
Prerequisite: WGS 124 and senior standing
Offered: Typically annually (first offered Fall 2010)
An exploration of diverse academic theories and feminist philosophies as these apply to current and historical conditions. This course will interrogate theories of gender, women's subjectivity, social identity, political identity, and transnational feminism. Students are expected to complete a research project in this course. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed WGS 401.
1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically annually (first offered Fall 2010)
An exploration of diverse academic theories and feminist philosophies as these apply to current and historical conditions. This course will interrogate theories of gender, women's subjectivity, social identity, political identity, and transnational feminism. Students are expected to complete a research project in this course. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed WGS 401.
1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit
WGS 495
Internship
Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing
Offered: Typically every term
See Academic Programs and Courses in this Catalog & Student Handbook for general description.
1 to 3 Course Credits
Offered: Typically every term
See Academic Programs and Courses in this Catalog & Student Handbook for general description.
1 to 3 Course Credits
1 to 3 Course Credits
WGS 498
Directed Study
Prerequisite: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
See Academic Programs and Courses in this Catalog & Student Handbook for general description.
1 Course Credit
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
See Academic Programs and Courses in this Catalog & Student Handbook for general description.
1 Course Credit
1 to 3 Course Credits
Notice and Disclaimer
This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.
