Women's and Gender Studies at EWU

Our Programs Course Descriptions


  • WMST 101: Introduction to Women’s Studies (5)
     [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    WINTER

    Explores the struggle for equality, the message and impact of the media, power of language, influence of religion and the effects of socialization, education, race, class, roles, stereotypes and romantic love onthe experience of women. (Cross-listed HUMN 101)

  • WMST 310: Issues in Women’s Studies (4)
     [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    FALL

    Analyzes causes and effects of sexual stereotypes and surveys new scholarship through women’s studies in psychology, economics, female biology, history, literature and others. (Cross-listed HUMN 310)

  • WMST 318: Biology of Women (3)

    The history, biology and myths of human reproduction as they apply to women and the interaction of brain, hormones and social life. (Cross-listed BIOL 318)

  • WMST 319: Women Artists and Society (2)
    Prerequisite: English clearance

    Survey of women artists from antiquity to the modern period. The work of painters and sculptors will be discussed in terms of the social context and artistic style of their times. (Cross-listed HUMN 319)

  • WMST 321: Sex and Gender (5)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    FALL/SPRING
    Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or 361

    A sociological analysis of differences and similarities between women and men. Examines the impact of gender ideologies on individual identity and social and political arrangements (especially instances of stratification and inequality). Also considers how changes in the gendered nature of society (e.g., socioeconomic organization, socialization, sexuality) occur. (Cross-listed SOCI 321)

  • WMST 331: Psychology of Women (4)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    FALL
    Prerequisite: ENGL 201 or equivalent

    The psychology of women in terms of their bodies, socialization, personality, affiliation and achievement motivations, abnormal behavior patterns, therapy and personal growth needs. (Cross-listed PSYC 331)

  • WMST 338: Discovering Women in Science (1)

    The course uses several scientific themes to rediscover from the past and find in contemporary research, the women who have made significant contributions to science. (Cross-listed BIOL 338, CHEM 338, GEOL 338, HIST 338, PHYS 338, PSYC 338)

  • WMST 370: Sociology of the Family (5)
    Prerequisite: SOCI 101

    A consideration of family structures, cultures and interactions, changing family patterns and contemporary family debates. (Cross-listed SOCI 370)

  • WMST 371: Cultural Study: African American Women and Hair (2)

    This course covers the history of African American women’s hair. Students will learn how different hairstyles and treatments document a journey of cultural and self-rejuvenation plagued by conflict and accusations. The course will also examine the relationship between hairstyles and racial dentity. (Cross-listed AAST 371)

  • WMST 377: Alternatives to Domestic Violence (2)
    WINTER

    Analyzes theories relevant to issues of domestic violence in their historical, legal and cultural contexts. Therapeutic interventions are explored. (Cross-listed SOCI 377)

  • WMST 389: Women, Literature and Social Change (5)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    SPRING
    Prerequisite: Completion of the University writing requirements

    Examines fictional images of women as these images reflect the changing roles and status of women from Greece to the present, focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries. (Cross-listed ENGL 389)

  • WMST 392: Women in the American West (4)
    SPRING

    This course examines the lives of frontier women using a variety of primary sources (letters, diaries, oral histories), as well as secondary sources (books, articles, movies, tapes). (Cross-listed HIST 392)

  • WMST 394: Women in American History (4)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    FALL/WINTER

    Brings to life and surveys the accomplishments of the “lost women’’ of the past from colonial times to the present. Society’s definition of the nature of women and their proper roles will be examined, as well as the actual life conditions of women and the social and economic functions they performed. (Cross-listed HIST 394)

  • WMST 400: Women and Men in Literature (1)
    SUMMER

    This course teaches the integration of women authors, the ideas of men writing about women and ideas interesting to women in the study of literature. We will deal with textbook selections and a comparative treatment of women and men in a literature survey course. The course will provide a feminist approach and review the literature on gender balance. (Cross-listed ENGL 400)

  • WMST 401:Women and Men in Science (1)
    SUMMER

    The course will examine the impact made by classroom interactions, laboratory procedure, textbooks and language on women’s participation in secondary or postsecondary science. It will make recommendations for gender balanced choices in these areas and it will introduce women role models from the past for use in science history and other science courses. (Cross-listed BIOL 401, GEOL 401)

  • WMST 402: Women and Men in the U.S. Economy (1)
    SUMMER

    In the course we examine the economic activity and labor force participation of women and men in the United States. Employment issues, such as labor market discrimination, affirmative action and comparable worth will be discussed. Other topics include income distribution, poverty, welfare programs and the tax system.(Cross-listed ECON 429)

  • WMST 403: Women and Men in Psychology (1)
    SUMMER

    A one day workshop designed to facilitate and provide frameworks for gender-balancing psychology curricula (materials appropriate for secondary education and college level instruction). (Cross-listed PSYC 403)

  • WMST 404: Women and Men in Communications (1)
    SUMMER

    This course explores issues which directly affect both male and female classroom experiences. We will study unexamined cultural patterns which can affect communication in elementary, secondary, baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate education and will examine choices in curriculum planning, textbook selection and teacher/student interaction patterns which affect educational experiences of students in the classroom. Specific suggestions for change and classroom activities will be developed. Cross listed CMST 404

  • WMST 405: Women and Men in History (1)
    SUMMER

    This course will deal with the placing of women and men within history. A comparative analysis will be made of the historical treatment given to both women and men. Using American history as an example, the workshop will set forth principles that will effectively help the classroom teacher create a gender balanced course and the student to recognize gender balance in history education. Attention will be given to non-sexist textbooks, audiovisual materials and testing. (Cross-listed HIST 405)

  • WMST 406: Women and Men in the Cultural Landscape (1)
    SUMMER

    The created landscape reflects human values and experience. This course examines ways in which women and men create, use and experience the humanized landscape. We will examine spatial patterns of human activity from a variety of times and places, linking geographic theory to everyday environments. The course will include map work, slide analysis and a field exercise as tools for identifying and interpreting cultural landscapes. (Cross-listed GEOG 406)

  • WMST 408: Women and Men in City Planning (1)
    SUMMER
    Prerequisite: English clearance

    Gender issues in the context of city planning, including the contribution of women in the profession and a feminist approach to land use, transportation and housing. The class investigates how and why cities are structured as they are. It presents a new perspective on viewing the urban environment, which can be incorporated into planning curriculum.(Cross-listed PLAN 408)

  • WMST 409: Women and Men in Contemporary Art (1)
    SUMMER
    Prerequisite: English clearance

    The class focuses on how the cultural arts describe society, examining as it does so a variety of social issues. Students will suggest ways in which they can integrate women into the arts and into their understanding of larger cultural relationships.(Cross-listed ART 409)

  • WMST 410: Feminist Theory (4)
    SPRING
    Prerequisite: WMST 101 or HUMN/WMST 310

    Feminist theories developed to explain women’s subordinate position in society and current trends in feminist thought. Includes psychoanalytic feminism, feminist literary criticism and cross-cultural views of feminism. (Cross-listed HUMN 410)

  • WMST 414: Gender and Communication (5)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    FALL
    Prerequisite: One 300-level course in Communication or Women’s & Gender Studies or permission of the instructor

    This course examines current research on the interactions among language, gender and communication in contemporary social and cultural contexts. (Cross-listed CMST 414)

  • WMST 415: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies (5)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    Prerequisite: One course in or cross-listed with Women’s & Gender Studies

    This course consists of a theoretical examination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender identities. The course material will include texts from queer theory and a wide variety of academic disciplines. (Cross-listed HUMN 415)

  • WMST 417: Women and Ethics (5)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement] Prerequisite: At least one of the following: WMST 101 or 310 or PHIL 211 or 212

    The course will begin with a brief examination of the treatment of women within traditional ethics. We will then address the views of early women philosophers, followed by a close analysis of contemporary feminist approaches to ethics.(Cross-listed PHIL 417)

  • WMST 419: Sex, Sexuality and Communication (5)
    Prerequisite: One Women's & Gender Studies course or CMST course

    This seminar examines the construction of sexuality and sexual identity through communication, with a focus on the relationship between public policy and private sexuality. (Cross-listed CMST 419)

  • WMST 424: Equity and Equality in the Workplace (3)
    Prerequisite: ENGL 201

    This course examines feminist theory, the law and business management theories as they apply to equality and equity in the workplace. The course is an integrated approach to business and gender issues. (Cross-listed MGMT 424)

  • WMST 426: Economics of Poverty and Discrimination (5)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    Prerequisite: Junior standing

    Causes of poverty and evaluation of anti-poverty programs. Examines economic theories of discrimination from different perspectives with a particular focus on issues of gender and race. (Cross-listed AAST 424, ECON 424)

  • WMST 427: The Economics of Women and Work (5)
    [Satisfies cultural and gender diversity university graduation requirement]
    FALL
    Prerequisite: Junior standing

    Economic impact of the increasing participation of women in the paid labor force of the United States. Economic theories of labor force participation, discrimination and occupational segregation. Current issues such as comparable worth, affirmative action, nontraditional careers, corporate policies, sexual harassment, child care and social welfare programs. (Cross-listed ECON 427)

  • WMST 430: From Mammies to Jemimas: The Black Women’s Struggle (5)
    Prerequisite: English 201 or permission of the instructor

    The unique struggle of black women in America begins in the time of slavery from which we still feel the impacts today. Although the feminist movement has made many strides for women in America, the black woman is subjected to a special set of obstacles and circumstances. This course examines historical writings written by and about black women. The course will discuss slavery, lynching, combating prejudices and encouraging racial pride to give course participants a framework that will deepen their understanding of black women and their writing.(Cross-listed AAST 430)

  • WMST 440: Women and Philosophy (5)
    Prerequisite: At least 4 credits in WMST and/or PHIL

    The course offers an examination of the treatment of concepts relating to women and femininity, both by traditional philosophers and by more recent feminist philosophers. The course will address key issues within philosophy while simultaneously exploring the role of gender in the production of philosophical knowledge. (Cross-listed PHIL 440)

  • WMST 448: Gay and Lesbian Issues for the Social Work Practitioner (3)
    Prerequisite: ENGL 201 or permission of the instructor

    Designed to assist professionals who may encounter lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered individuals as clients. The course educates and suggests counseling approaches helpful to gays and lesbians and explores available support systems. (Cross-listed SOWK 448)

  • WMST 450: Women and Social Reform (3)
    Prerequisite: Upper-division standing, ability to handle 400/500 level analysis, writing and seminar participation

    Activities and accomplishments of women working toward social change. Strategies and tactics of organizing communities and society that have been undertaken to improve the status of women and other disadvantaged groups. Reform movements, issues or actions covered include suffrage, abolition, neighborhood development, ERA and unionization. Current issues and organizations related to changes for women in society. (Cross-listed SOWK 450)

  • WMST 452: Gender and Sexual Assault (4)
    Prerequisite: ENGL 201

    This course addresses contemporary concerns about sexual assault, primarily, but not exclusively, against women. Feminist perspectives on gender socialization and sexual violence provide frameworks for understanding personal and societal responses to sexual violence. Dynamics of trauma and recovery, treatment, prevention and change strategies will be discussed. (Cross-listed SOWK 452)

  • WMST 467: Contemporary Women’s Fiction (5)

    Prerequisite: Grades of 2.5 or better in ENGL 270 and ENGL 271 for major; permission of instructor for non-majors

    Looks at changing perspectives in women’s fiction from the 1970s to the present. (Cross-listed CRWR 467, ENGL 467)

  • WMST 468: History of Modern American Women (4)

    This course explores the history of women in America from the 1900s to the present through the use of a wide range of contemporary documents that allow a variety of women of the immediate past to speak for themselves. (Cross-listed HIST 468)

  • WMST 471: Human Rights and Women’s Rights (4)
    Prerequisite: ENGL 201 or permission of the instructor

    Examines the history of human rights and dignity, the United Nation as framework, human rights of women (violence against women, health, housing, education), children’s rights and approaches to achieve social justice, locally and globally. (Cross-listed SOWK 471)

  • WMST 475: Women’s Writing in Latin America (4)
    Prerequisite: SPAN 203 or equivalent and SPAN 321 or HIST 365

    This course offers an introduction to women’s writing in Latin America, focusing on narrative productions of the 20th century. We will discuss issues such as feminine representation and identity, women’s perspective and subjectivity through the reading and analysis of contemporary texts by Latin American women. (Cross-listed SPAN 475)

  • WMST 483: Sociology of Children (5)
    Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or 361

    Addresses children and childhood from the preschool years through adolescence. Examines historical shifts in the meanings of childhood and the methods used for studying the worlds of children. Explores the theoretical approaches to child development and socialization and how these can be used to understand children’s experiences in different cultural settings and situations. (Cross-listed SOCI 483)

  • WMST 490: Senior Capstone Seminar (4)
    Prerequisites: [WMST 101 or WMST 310] and [one additional WMST course of 3 credits or more] and [ENGL 201]

    The advanced student of women’s studies consolidates and synthesizes feminist scholarship in the seminar. Working collaboratively, instructor and students draw together scholars and their work in numerous disciplines, relating them and drawing conclusions about the nature of society and feminist reality.

  • WMST 495: Internship (1–5)

  • WMST 498: Seminar (1–5)