Women's Studies (WMNST)001:
Introduction to Women's Studies
Women's Studies employs an interdisciplinary set of tools for analyzing women's experiences and studies the ways that sex and gender manifest themselves in social, cultural and political contexts.
This course will concentrate on the experiences of women in the United States but, on occasion, we will broaden our scope.
This course does not only consider differences between women and men, but also explores differences among women. The readings and discussion will be designed to examine ideas about race, class, sexuality and other aspects of identity in addition to gender. Together we will discuss the relationships among these categories, and will analyze when and how such categories operate.
What will I learn in this course?
At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:
- discuss some key issues, questions and debates in the field of Women's Studies
- describe some of the frameworks and concepts feminist scholars have developed
- analyze arguments and “read” gender
- appreciate the history and experience of women as half the world's population.
This course meets the General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirements, the United States Cultures (US) requirements, and the International Cultures (IL) requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking WMNST 001.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for WMNST 001, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
However, an online course is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:
- have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- be comfortable with navigating the Internet
How is the course structured?
WMNST 001 has 12 lessons. Each week you will have readings, message board posts, quizzes and other activities to perform. For each lesson, you are required to critically reflect on the readings and lesson overview by participating in a group project. During the semester, you will also need to write a critical reflection essay.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about WMNST 001 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access WMNST 001 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
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"Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels."
"It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union."
"We've got a generation now who were born with semiequality. They don't know how it was before, so they think, this isn't too bad. We're working. We have our attache' cases and our three piece suits. I get very disgusted with the younger generation of women. We had a torch to pass, and they are just sitting there. They don't realize it can be taken away. Things are going to have to get worse before they join in fighting the battle."
Erma Bombeck