Undergraduate Courses 

WGS 201: Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies – This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of Women's and Gender Studies. We explore the contemporary status of women in the U.S. and worldwide from social, economic, historical, political, philosophical and literary perspectives. Students will analyze the intersection of gender, race, class, and sexuality. Subject matter includes work, health, sexuality, and violence. Foundation for the other courses in the program. 

WGS 401/501: Feminist Theories – The course examines current theories in feminism with a background to this field of study. Topics in race, class, sexuality, and ethnicity as they are addressed in diverse feminisms. Readings for the courses include queer theory, Black feminism, postcolonialism, psychoanalytic and postmodern thought. 

WGS 402/502: Feminist Research in Action - Feminist research methods and scholarship are examined in this course. The term project includes collaborative research on a community research and action project to examine gender issues and improve the lives of underrepresented and marginalized groups. 

WGS 435/535: Gender, Globalization and Development – This course involves cross-cultural study of historical and contemporary dimensions of gender, globalization and development. The material explores the interdependence of socio-economic and political aspects of globalization using feminist postcolonial and transnational frameworks. We also analyze case studies and activism in the contexts of economic livelihoods, environmental justice, and cross-border migrations. 

WGS 491: Internship  – The WGS internship is designed to provide an application of Women's and Gender Studies principles and methods in a workplace. This course will be arranged with an internal or external employer and conducted under the supervision of a member of the Women's and Gender Studies faculty. 

SOC 411: Social Change in Developing Countries – The material in this course addresses social change and development in developing countries and international issues. The readings and lectures explore the causes and consequences of persistent problems in agriculture, city growth, employment, gender equality, basic needs. We also examine local and worldwide efforts to foster social change and international development. 

Global Service Learning Course in Tanzania (study abroad)  

Graduate Courses 

SOC 513: Qualitative Research Methods – The course introduces students to the foundations and applications of qualitative research methods in sociology. Students will design and implement a course-based research project including data collection, analysis, and presentation of results. Qualitative data gathering techniques include observational, historical, in-depth interviewing or content analysis approaches.  

(See cross-listed courses above for other graduate courses.)