Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS)

521B David M. French Hall
(810) 762-3044
http://www.umflint.edu/wgs

Director: Jami L. Anderson, 540 French Hall, (810) 762-6650
Secretary: Laura Milem
Core program faculty: Jennifer Alvey (WGS/ANT), Jami Anderson (PHL), Patricia Emenyonou (AFA), Peggy Kahn (POL), Alicia Kent (ENG), Heather Laube (SOC), Adam Lutzker (ECN), Ami Pflugard-Jackish (HIS), Judy Rosenthal (ANT), Shelley Spivack (CRJ), Chris Waters (ART). Affiliated program faculty and staff: Ananthakrishan Aiyer (ANT), Kazuko Hiramatsu (LIN), Suzanne Knight (ENG), Vickie Larsen (ENG), Derwin Munroe (POL).

The Women’s and Gender Studies minor has two main aims: to analyze the historical and contemporary experience of women in different parts of the world, and to examine how women’s and men’s lives and identities have been structured culturally, economically, politically and socially. Courses in the minor are concerned with the changing nature and relationship of what society considers “feminine” and “masculine.” Women’s and Gender Studies also recognize differences among women and men on the basis of class, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

The Women’s and Gender Studies minor is interdisciplinary. It draws on recent scholarship in many fields. This work demonstrates that traditional scholarship has neglected both the study of women’s agency and creativity and the analysis of women’s oppression. It also sheds new light on how “masculinities” are constructed in different societies worldwide. Women’s and Gender Studies enrich existing disciplines by correcting these omissions and bringing new perspectives to bear.

Systematic knowledge of women’s rich and varied traditions and of social structures affecting women and men should help students act more thoughtfully and vigorously in their public and personal lives. The insights and experiences that students bring to these courses constitute an important contribution to this developing body of knowledge.

Women’s and Gender Studies provide a strong foundation for students wishing to undertake work in such areas as education and teaching, medicine and health services, law and politics, personnel and affirmative action, social work and social services, union and community organizing, and writing and the performing arts. The minor also helps prepare students for graduate school in the humanities and social sciences.

Programs in Women’s and Gender Studies

A Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies is available.

Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies

The Women’s and Gender Studies minor has two main aims: to analyze the historical and contemporary experience of women in different parts of the world, and to examine how women’s and men’s lives and identities have been structured culturally, economically, politically and socially. Courses in the minor are concerned with the changing nature and relationship of what society considers “feminine” and “masculine.” Women’s and Gender Studies also recognize differences among women and men on the basis of class, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. The Women’s and Gender Studies minor is interdisciplinary. It draws on recent scholarship in many fields. This work demonstrates that traditional scholarship has neglected both the study of women’s agency and creativity and the analysis of women’s oppression. It also sheds new light on how “masculinities” are constructed in different societies worldwide. Women’s and Gender Studies enrich existing disciplines by correcting these omissions and bringing new perspectives to bear. Systematic knowledge of women’s rich and varied traditions and of social structures affecting women and men should help students act more thoughtfully and vigorously in their public and personal lives. The insights and experiences that students bring to these courses constitute an important contribution to this developing body of knowledge. Women’s and Gender Studies provide a strong foundation for students wishing to undertake work in such areas as education and teaching, medicine and health services, law and politics, personnel and affirmative action, social work and social services, union and community organizing, and writing and the performing arts. The minor also helps prepare students for graduate school in the humanities and social sciences.

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