Women's and Gender Studies
Women’s and Gender Studies focuses on issues of identity and systems of power, through reflection on personal, social and historical realities.
Specifically, women’s and gender studies connects theory to self-awareness and social responsibility. Whereas historically, the voices of women and other minorities (including feminist men) have been muted, women’s and gender studies puts these voices at the center of the curriculum.
WGS Sample ELECTIVE COURSES:
Examples of Arts and Humanities that count towards a Women’s and Gender Studies major/minor:
- Christian Feminism
- Black Feminist Thought
- 20th-21st Century Dance History and Criticism
- Sexual Ethics
- Women, Gender and Sexuality in U.S. History
- Africana Womanism: Origins, Legacies
Examples of Social Sciences courses that counttowards a Women’s and Gender Studies major/minor:
- Gender Communication
- Gender, Conflict and Peace
- Human Sexuality
- Psychology of Gender
- Sociology of Gender
- Intergroup Dialogue
Majors
- Women's And Gender Studies
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The Women’s and Gender Studies major consists of 32 credits. All students must take 16 credits of core courses:
- WGS 160 – Women in a Global Society
- WGS 200 – Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
- WGS 350 – Feminist Visions of Justice: Feminist Theory and Methodology
- WGS 494 – Keystone Seminar
The remaining 16 credits are to be a balance of electives from Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences (at least one course from each division), which must be chosen in consultation with the WGS director.
Minors
- Women's And Gender Studies
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The Women’s and Gender Studies minor consists of 20 credits. All students take WGS 200 – Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies and choose two out of the three following core courses:
- WGS 160 – Women in a Global Society
- WGS 350 – Feminist Visions of Justice: Theory and Methodology
- WGS 494 – Keystone Seminar
The remaining 8 credits are to be a balance of electives from Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences (at least one course from each division), which must be chosen in consultation with the WGS director.
Women's and Gender Studies
160. Women in a Global Society — This course seeks to investigate the broad spectrum of women’s movements that thrive
across the developing world. Particular emphasis is on globalization and development
as well as women’s interaction with neo-liberal economics. Third World feminist and
womanist theories will be examined. Students will also encounter the impact that culture
and politics play on women in the developing world. Cross-listed with Pol 160.
4 Credits | Once a Year | Social Science 1 (SS1)
195. Women's & Gender Studies Topic — A course offered in response to student and instructor interest. Topics are not generally
covered in the regular course listings. Course may be taken multiple times if topics
are different.
1-4 Credits | As Needed
200. Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies — In this course, students will explore and assess their own assumptions about gender,
and examine the effects of sexism on all people. We will study historical and contemporary
texts by diverse authors. At the heart of feminist pedagogy, students are encouraged
to teach and learn from one another. Students will be challenged to grow and support
communal growth in shaping a world free of power-divisions based on gender, race,
class, citizenship, and country of origin.
4 Credits | Fall, Spring
295. Special Studies — A course offered in response to student and instructor interest. Topics are not generally
covered in the regular course listings. Course may be taken multiple times if topics
are different.
2-4 Credits | As Needed
350. Feminist Visions of Justice: Theory and Methodology — This course looks at feminist visions of justice, including ideas that impact students’
lives, the larger communities in which we live, as well as in the world. Students
examine their own theories and study those of feminist scholars, practitioners and
activists. Emphasis is placed on contemporary issues and practices.
4 Credits | Fall | Social Science 2 (SS2)
395. Special Studies — A course offered in response to student and instructor interest. Topics are not generally
covered in the regular course listings. Course may be taken multiple times if topics
are different.
1-4 Credits | As Needed
490. Independent Projects — An in-depth independent study of women’s and gender issues or other topics analyzed
from a feminist perspective or a project designed to bring about systemic change.
1-4 Credits | As Needed
494. Keystone Seminar — A course designed to examine feminist perspectives in practice and support projects
on women’s and gender issues.
4 Credits | Spring
496. Internship Program in Women's and Gender Studies — An internship in women's and gender studies with the Philadelphia Center, Washington
Semester, Chicago Semester, or a placement in West Michigan approved by the director
of women's and gender studies. Placement is coupled with a feminist analysis of the
internship site and the student’s experience.
1-4 Credits | As Needed
- André, Dr. MaríaRetired FacultyWomen's and Gender Studies
616.395.7911
andre@hope.eduMore Information - Bredow, Dr. CarriePsychology DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies
A. Paul Schaap Science Center 1160 35 East 12th Street Holland, MI 49423-3605
616.395.7254
bredow@hope.eduMore Information - Corner, Dr. ShannaSociology and Social Work DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies
Van Zoeren Hall Room 242 41 Graves Place Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7964
corner@hope.edu - Dandavati, Dr. AnniePolitical ScienceWomen's and Gender StudiesAsian StudiesGlobal Studies
Lubbers Hall-Room 205 126 East 10th Street Holland, MI 49423-3516
616.395.7545
dandavati@hope.eduMore Information - Doshi, Dr. MarissaCommunication DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies
Martha Miller Center 115 257 Columbia Avenue Holland, MI 49423-3698
616.395.6800
doshi@hope.eduMore Information - Farmer, MatthewDance DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies
Dow Center 168 East 13th Street Holland, MI 49423-3624
616.395.7089
farmer@hope.eduMore Information - Jantzen, Dr. MattCenter for Ministry StudiesWomen's and Gender Studies
Lubbers Hall 113 126 East 10th Street Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7320
jantzen@hope.eduMore Information - Japinga, Rev. Dr. LynnReligion DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies
Lubbers Hall Room 104 126 East 10th Street Holland, MI 49423-3516
616.395.7753
japingal@hope.eduMore Information - Kornfield, Dr. SarahCommunication DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies
Martha Miller Center 257 Columbia Avenue Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7596
kornfield@hope.eduMore Information - Petit, Dr. JeanneHistory DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies
Lubbers Hall-Room 324 126 East 10th Street Holland, MI 49423-3516
616.395.7588
petit@hope.eduMore Information - Salah, Dr. ChristianaEnglish DepartmentInterdisciplinary StudiesWomen's and Gender Studies
Lubbers Hall 126 East 10th Street Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7620
salah@hope.eduMore Information