The minor consists of a total of fifteen hours that must be taken from the courses listed below. The core course, GS 201Q, is required. Additional courses with the "GS" prefix may be taken toward the minor however the minor must include one course from at least two other disciplines.
To inquire if a course qualifies as credit for the gender studies minor, consult kingkd@muc.edu .
GS 201Q Introduction to Gender Studies
GS 210 Introduction to Men's Studies
GS 220 Gender, Body, Identity
GS 310 Seminar in Gender Studies
CM 380Q Diversity: Gender, Communication and Society
EC 330 Economics of Gender
EH 265 Gender and Literature
HI 260 Women in East Asia
PL 350 Feminist Philosophies
PS 216 Women and Politics
PY 345 Human Sexual Behavior
PY 385 Psychology of Gender
RE 390 Women and Religion
SN 280 Gender and Ethnicity in Spanish American Literature
SO 240 Courtship and Marriage
SO 310 American Family
SO 320 Sociology of Gender
Course Descriptions
GS 199 Special Topics in Gender Studies. See All-College 199 course description on page 113 of the course catalogue.
GS 201Q Introduction to Gender Studies. A broad introduction to the basic theories, definitions and methods of the interdisciplinary field of gender studies. The course is devoted to analyzing the experiences of men and women with respect to the psychological, cultural and biological factors that influence individual gender identity development and the construction and representation of gender in society. The complex intersection of race, ethnicity, class and gender will be explored. This course is required for the gender studies minor. 3 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II,D,2 or III,B.}
GS 210 Introduction to Men's Studies. An introduction to the diverse and interdisciplinary field of men's studies. The complex intersections between masculinities and race, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation will be an ongoing concern of the course. 3 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II, D, 2.}
GS 220 Gender, Body, Identity. The course examines the importance of the human body understood as both a biological and cultural entity. Some of the topics to be explored in the class are foot-binding, genital mutilation, "cutting," tattoos and "body adornment," steroids, anorexia, cosmetic surgery, the medical construction of gender and the cyborg. 3 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II, D, 2.}
GS 299 Special Topics in Gender Studies. See All-College 299 course description on page 113 of the course catalogue.
GS 310 Seminar in Gender Studies. An advanced seminar exploring current theories and/or issues in the interdisciplinary field of gender studies. The specific topics will vary according to the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. The complex intersections between gender and race, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation will be an ongoing concern of the seminar. Prerequisite: GS 201Q or permission of the instructor. 3 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II, D, 2.}
GS 399 Special Topics in Gender Studies. See All-College 399 course description on page 114 of the course catalogue.
GS 400 Independent Study in Gender Studies. The study of selected topics or projects in gender studies. Open to juniors and seniors minoring in gender studies. A prospectus must be submitted for approval prior to registration. 3 Sem. Hrs.
GS 494 Honors Thesis/Project. A research/project course designed to meet the needs of the individual student seeking honors in the major at graduation. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and approval of the instructor, the department chair and the Honors Review Board. Credit variable, 3-6 Sem. Hrs.
GS 499 Internship. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status and approval of gender studies director. 1-3 Sem. Hrs.
CM 380Q Diversity: Gender, Communication and Society. An examination of how communication structures gender identities, and how gender affects communication interpersonally and through the mass media. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above. 3 Sem. Hrs.
EC 330 Economics of Gender. This course examines the impact of gender diff erences on economic opportunities, activities and rewards. Economic issues emphasized are labor force participation, earnings, investment in human capital and gender segregation in the workplace. Cross-societal comparisons also will be made. Prerequisites: EC 105 or EC 200. 3 Sem. Hrs.
EH 265 Gender and Literature. This course will use a wide range of literature including writers whose works have directly addressed gender issues as well as writers whose works have indirectly reflected these issues to explore how cultural expectations about gender and gender roles affect the lives of women and men. Prerequisite: EH 100. 3 Sem. Hrs.
HI 260 Women in East Asia. By examining individual life histories, exploring the development of women's consciousness, and analyzing historical events, this course is designed to make a historical survey of continuity and change in the roles and conditions of women in East Asian society from ancient times to the present. 3 Sem. Hrs.
PL 350 Special Studies in Philosophy. An intensive study of some major philosophy or philosophical issue. May be repeated for different philosophers or issues. Prerequisite: PL 100 or PL 220 or permission of instructor. 3 Sem. Hrs.
PS 216 Women and Politics. This course examines women's roles in the political process as well as how women are affected by government policy. Topics to be considered include the evolution of the women's movement from the suffrage movement to the present; perspectives on women's roles and how these are reflected in the political arena; challenges and opportunities faced by women in the political process; and public policies on issues such as abortion, sexual harassment, child care and population planning. 3 Sem. Hrs.
PY 345 Human Sexual Behavior. This course examines the developmental and experiential determinants of sexual behavior from a number of coordinate viewpoints: crossspecies, cross-cultural and historical; genetic, hormonal, emotional and cognitive; gender identity, attitudes, orientation and intimacy. Prerequisites: PY 110 or equivalent preferred and junior or senior standing. 3 Sem. Hrs.
PY 385 Psychology of Gender. The course will examine the issue of gender as it has been studied by psychologists. Topics will include: the nature and meaning of gender roles and gender stereotypes; research on gender similarities and differences with respect to cognitive, physical, personality and social functioning; how gender stereotypes and roles develop; the effects of gender stereotypes and roles on individuals, relationships and society; and alternatives to traditional gender stereotypes and roles. Prerequisite: PY 110 or equivalent. 3 Sem. Hrs.
RE 390 Women and Religion. An introduction to the religious lives, experiences and insights of women as to the role, function and nature of religion in contemporary society. The course deals with a variety of issues and topics from theology, history and ethics to cross-cultural analysis and the challenges which the experience of women pose for the doing of theology and an understanding of institutional religious life. Prerequisite: RE 100. 3 Sem. Hrs.
SN 280 Gender and Ethnicity in Spanish-American Literature. An exploration of the themes of gender and ethnicity in Spanish-American literature. Emphasis will be placed on viewing the texts through the perspective of women and minorities. This course will be conducted in Spanish with supplementary readings in English. Prerequisites: SN 202 or permission of the instructor. 3 Sem. Hrs.
SO 240 Courtship and Marriage. An examination of sex and gender role development, social interaction and social institutions as they relate to dating, mate selection, singleness, as well as traditional and nontraditional marriage forms. Prerequisite: SO 100. 3 Sem. Hrs.
SO 310 American Family. Both an historical and contemporary examination of the family system in America from marriage through death or divorce. Includes discussions about marital commitment, adjustment, satisfaction, sexuality, as well as child rearing, family violence and abuse. Prerequisite: SO 100. 3 Sem. Hrs.
SO 320 Sociology of Gender. A study of the cultural norms and social roles which govern the relationships between men and women in contemporary American society. The course examines the origin of masculine and feminine gender roles, the nature of sexism, and the changing roles of men and women in families, occupations, politics and religion. Prerequisite: SO 100. 3 Sem. Hrs.