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University Bulletin: Undergraduate Programs 2003-2004 The George Washington University  

 
    
 
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WOMEN'S STUDIES

 

Professors H. Hartmann (Research), P.M. Palmer, B. Gault (Research)

Associate Professors C.E. Harrison, C. Deitch, D. Moshenberg (Director), A. Zucker

Assistant Professor K. Pemberton

Adjunct Professors B. Morris, A. Lynch

Professorial Lecturer M. Frost

Committee on Women’s Studies

N. Cahn, E. Chacko, L. Chang, K. Daiya, C. Deitch, C. Gamber, B. Gault, C.E. Harrison, H. Hartmann, L. Jacobson, I. Kennelly, P. Kelly, D. Lipscomb, D. Moshenberg, P.M. Palmer, K. Pemberton, G. Weiss, S. Wolchik, A. Zucker

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences offers two interdisciplinary programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts in the field of women’s studies and Master of Arts in the field of public policy with a concentration in women’s studies. Both programs are also available as part of J.D.—M.A. and LL.M.—M.A. joint degrees with the GW Law School. A graduate certificate in women’s studies is offered as well. Programs are directed by the Committee on Women’s Studies and draw upon faculty from various departments within the University and resource persons in the community.

The women’s studies programs examine and integrate the contributions of established academic disciplines to provide an understanding of the historical and contemporary role and status of women, and to provide training necessary to evaluate and formulate equitable public policy for women. Each student will work closely with an advisor in designing a program to meet individual research interests and professional goals. Prospective degree candidates should consult with the director of the Women’s Studies Program.

Master of Arts in the field of women’s studies and Master of Arts in the field of public policy with a concentration in women’s studies—Prerequisite: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Required: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, and 36 credit hours of course work, with or without a thesis. Policy-oriented students take WStu 221, 240, and 220, plus four courses in the public policy core (PSc 203, 229; Econ 217; and an approved statistical methods course) and 9 hours of electives. Those pursuing the Master of Arts in the field of women’s studies must take WStu 220, 221, and either 225 or an approved alternative; 12 credit hours in one other discipline (history, literature, economics, philosophy, religion, anthropology, or sociology); and 9 hours of electives. With permission, other disciplinary or topical concentrations may be selected. All students take a final 6 hours chosen from WStu 299—300, or 283 and 295. All candidates are required to pass a Master’s Comprehensive Examination.

The M.A. program in the field of public policy is affiliated with the School of Public Policy and Public Administration.

Note: Excluding students enrolled in the Women’s Studies Program, completion of WStu 120 and 125 or equivalent, or permission of instructor, is prerequisite to all graduate-level women’s studies courses.

220 Fundamentals of Feminist Theory (3) Lynch and Staff
  A survey of historical theories significant to feminist thought, such as liberalism, socialism, evolution, psychoanalysis, and gendered spheres of social action. How these theories were revived and revised by the Second Wave of feminism since the 1960s. Brief examination of postmodernist and Third Wave feminist theorizing. (Fall)
221 Research Issues in Women’s Studies (3) Deitch
  Analysis of the contribution of feminist or gender-relations perspectives from humanities and social science disciplines to the issues and methods of social research and social policy and practice. Topics include a review of feminist frameworks, a critique and re-evaluation of traditional academic disciplines, and analysis of current research on and for women. (Fall)
225 Contemporary Feminist Theory (3) Staff
  Developments in feminist theory in the past 20 years, with a primary focus on American feminism and some consideration of European and Third World thought.
230 Global Feminisms (3) Staff
  The individuals, groups, and policies that shape global agenda for women; local and international fora in which global feminisms are forged.
238 Feminist Ethics and Policy Implications (3) Weiss
  Same as Phil 238.
240 Women and Public Policy (3) Harrison, Deitch
  Analysis of gender-related U.S. policy issues, such as domestic violence, military service, abortion rights, equal employment opportunity, child and dependent care, welfare, social security, and international development assistance. (Spring)
241 Women and the Law (3) Harrison
  Legal status of women in the United States on both the federal and state levels. Emphasis on constitutional equality, employment law, family law, reproduction and sexuality, and the criminal justice system. (Fall)
251 Women and Writing (3) Staff
  Same as Engl 251.
257 Gender and Sexuality (3) Staff
  Same as Anth 257.
265 Women, Welfare, and Poverty (3) Deitch, Harrison
  Examination of how the causes and consequences of poverty differ for women and men; how race, class, and gender shape policy responses to poverty. The history of family assistance policy in the United States and the impact of various welfare reform efforts. Same as Soc 265. (Fall)
266 Gender and Criminal Justice (3) Staff
  Same as Soc 266.
268 Race, Gender, and Class (3) Deitch, Kennelly
  Same as Soc 268.
270 Seminar: Selected Topics (3) Staff
  Investigation of a current policy issue of particular concern to women, or consideration of women’s status in a particular social system. Topics have included women and health; sexualities; women and Judaism; black women; gender, race, and class. May be repeated for credit. (Fall and spring)
273 Readings on Women in American History (3) Harrison
  Same as AmSt 273/Hist 273.
275 Women and Health (3) Zucker
  Theoretical and empirical analyses of women’s health: how women’s health is constructed by medical, psychological, and critical theorists; how sexism, racism, and classism contribute to women’s health problems; and identification of conditions that lead to optimal health and well-being. Same as Psyc 275.
280 Independent Study (3) Staff
  May be repeated for credit. Arrangements must be made with sponsoring faculty member prior to registration.
283 Practicum in Women’s Studies (3 to 6) Deitch
  Study of the changing status of women through supervised assignment to public and private agencies engaged in policymaking, education, political action, and research. Placement arrangements must be made the semester prior to registration; departmental permission is required. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 6 credits. (Spring)
295 Independent Research in Women’s Studies (arr.) Staff
  Individual library or field research. Arrangements must be made with the sponsoring faculty member prior to registration; a written proposal is required.
299—300 Thesis Research (3—3) Staff
 

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© 2009 University Bulletin
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Information in this bulletin is generally accurate as of fall 2008. The University reserves the right to change courses, programs, fees, and the academic calendar, or to make other changes deemed necessary or desirable, giving advance notice of change when possible.