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

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

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. MaríaHope CollegeWorld Languages and Cultures DepartmentWomen's and Gender StudiesRetired Faculty

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  • Bredow, Dr. CarrieHope CollegePsychology DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies

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  • Dandavati, Dr. AnnieHope CollegePolitical ScienceWomen's and Gender StudiesAsian StudiesGlobal Studies

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  • Doshi, Dr. MarissaHope CollegeCommunication DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies

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  • Farmer, MatthewHope CollegeDance DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies

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  • Jantzen, Dr. MattHope CollegeCenter for Ministry StudiesWomen's and Gender Studies

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  • Japinga, Rev. Dr. LynnHope CollegeReligion DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies

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  • Johnston, Dr. DeirdreHope CollegeCommunication DepartmentWomen's and Gender StudiesOffice of the Associate Dean for Global Education

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  • Kornfield, Dr. SarahHope CollegeCommunication DepartmentWomen's and Gender StudiesGeneral Education

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  • Petit, Dr. JeanneHope CollegeHistory DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies

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  • Swanson, Dr. DebraHope CollegeSociology and Social Work DepartmentWomen's and Gender Studies

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Hope CollegeWomen's and Gender Studies

Lubbers Hall126 East 10th StreetRoom 226Holland, MI 49423

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