Women's, Gender, and Ethnic Studies (WGES)

Women, Gender, and Power
WGES 101 5 Credits/Units

5.0 hours of lecture

Introduction to key concepts and a diversity of texts and authors that shape the interdisciplinary study of women, gender, and power in the United States. Theories explored focus on the lives and statuses of women and gender diverse people, are connected to personal experience and current events, linking historical and contemporary issues of feminism, gender roles and norms, power, privilege, and inequity. [GE, HA, HR, PPI, SE, SS]

Women Across Cultures
WGES 201 5 Credits/Units

5.0 hours of lecture

A feminist analysis of the economic, reproductive, political, and religious factors that contribute to women's lower status and power in major world areas today. Through the lens of gender and its intersection with race, class, and sexual orientation, examine some of the similarities and differences in women's lives around the world. Through the contexts of colonialism, globalization, media representation, and migration, study global women's issues by examining how the power of wealthy, industrialized nations affects those in poor or post-colonial nations, as well as systemically non-dominant groups within the U.S. [GE, HA, SE, SS]

Women, Arts, and Culture
WGES 210 5 Credits/Units

5.0 hours of lecture

Examines how women have been represented in western culture and how female artists, writers, filmmakers, crafters and musicians have responded to such depictions and created their own work. Through a sampling of women's stories, history, art, music, and films, we will consider issues of representation and how they are shaped by the dynamics of gender, race, class, sexuality, ability status, gender identity, and other factors. We will also explore the possibilities of a "women's" culture through an examination of particular historical communities. [GE, HA, SE, SS]

Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
WGES 220 5 Credits/Units

5.0 hours of lecture

Prerequisite: WGES 101 (grade of "C" or higher)

Studies the social construction of difference, inequality and privilege in race, class, gender, sex, and sexual orientation in the U.S. Examines how these categories are created, maintained, and experienced; how meaning is assigned to those categories; and how social constructions can be challenged. [GE, PPI, SE, SS][PNP]

Racism & White Privilege In The U.S.
WGES 225 3 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lecture

Critical examination of racism and white privilege in the U.S. analyzing systems of power, privilege and inequity; racial identity; and intercultural competence. [GE, PPI, SE, SS][PNP]

Selected Topics
WGES 280 1-3 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lecture

Selected topics in Women's, Gender, and Ethnic Studies. Topics vary and course theme and content change to reflect new topics. Because the course varies in content, it is repeatable for credit. Individual topics are listed in the term class schedules. [GE, SE]

Special Projects
WGES 290 1-5 Credits/Units

5.0 hours of lecture

Opportunity to plan, organize and complete special projects approved by the department. [GE]