Women's Studies (WMNST) 003:
Introduction to Women, the Humanities, and the Arts

In this course, we will explore some of the contributions made by women in the cultural arena. There will be a variety of writers, filmmakers, and artists both infamous and unknown, celebrated and condemned.

What will I learn in this course?

At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:

    1. Become familiar with the cultural milieus that give rise to and restrict the development and acceptance of women's roles as cultural producers;
    2. Question the benefits and consequences of what it means to be labeled a "woman" artist;
    3. Interrogate practices of femininity that both enable and constrain productions of the "self;"
    4. Encounter women artists as they appear as subjects in their own works;
    5. Develop a critical vocabulary necessary to assess the art-texts presented;
    6. Become producers ourselves of art-texts about the complications of self-representation during a milieu in which identity is already conceptualized and marketed as a brand.

This course meets the General Education Humanities (GH) requirements, the United States Cultures (US) requirements, the International Cultures (IL) requirements, and the Bachelor of Arts degree 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 003.

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 003, 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.

An online course, however, 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.
  • Have access to web editing software to create your course e-portfolio
  • Have access to a camera to take photographs and prepare artwork projects
  • Be comfortable with navigating the Internet

How is the course structured?

WMNST 003 has 15 lessons. Each week you will have readings, message board postings, quizzes and other activities to perform.  There will be a variety of group and individual projects throughout the semester.  You will be creating artwork projects, including self-portraits and other projects that incorporate text and images.  Each student is required to develop and maintain an e-portfolio, including a showcase of your artwork projects and a reflection blog.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about WMNST 003 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 003 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.

image of two women holding down a man
Judith And Holofernes
Artemisia Gentileschi
c.1615

 

image of a woman seated at a table surrounded by angels

Portrait of the Artist in Her Studio
Rachel Ruysch
c. 1750


image of a native american male and female sculpture
Old Arrow Maker
Edmonia Lewis
1872

 

image of a variety of household items

My Dress Hangs There
Frida Kahlo
1933