Introduction to Women's Studies (3-0) Introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of women's studies. Course may include, but is not limited to, the following topics: the historical basis of gender inequality; the history of social movements for gender equality; women's achievements throughout history in various professional and academic fields; women's social, economic, and political status in the U.S., Mexico, and around the globe; gender relations; intersections of race, sexuality, class and gender; cultural representations of women.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 2315: The Sociology of Marriage and the Family (3-0) This course examines the historical development, current problems, and prospects of the American marriage and family institutions. Cross-listed with SOCI 2315. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course is intended for lower-division students as an introduction to feminism on a global level. It will focus on how issues such as health, education, trade, and environment manifest themselves globally, looking at the interconnectedness of women's issues as it has occurred in various regions of the world and how feminist interests and organizations have become globalized into transnational forces for social change.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course provides students an introductory overview of gender, sexuality, and identity (GSI) in society. The course offers an intersectional perspective on identity in a contemporary context. The course will focus on the United States, as well as other cultures and societies. Students will study the biological, socio-cultural, and psychological aspect of gender and how studies of gender, sexuality, and identity apply to diverse environments.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 3301: La Chicana (3-0) An interdisciplinary examination of the socioeconomic, political, and cultural forces that affect the status of Chicanas in American society. Special considerations will be given to the role of Chicanas in the Women's and Chicano Movements, as well as the Mexicana/Chicana confluence in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Cross- listed with CHIC 3301. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course in an interdisciplinary examination of the social, political, and economic forces that characterize Chicana/o identities in the U.S. By comparing and contrasting historical and contemporary Chicana/o experiences, students will better understand how issues such as race, class, gender, homophobia, nationalism, and globalization define Chicana/o identities. Students will critically analyze how Chicana/o indentities and communities challenge and negotiate American norms and where Chicana/os and other Latina/os fit into the social, political, and economic hierarchies within the U.S.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Directed Study (3-0) Directed program of independent readings and/or a research project on an approved topic in women's studies. Requires consent of the course instructor and the program director.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours

Internship in Women's Studies (0-0-3) Field-based learning experience to explore the relationship between feminist theory and collective action. Student is assigned two days (or 12-16) hours) each week to an agency or organization in the El Paso/Juarez area that addresses women's or gender or sexuality issues. Includes a weekly seminar and final research project. Requires consent of the course instructor and the program director. Prerequisite: WS 2300 with a grade of "C" or better. WS 2300 may be taken concurrently with WS 3320.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours

Prerequisite(s): (WS 2300 w/C or better)

This course surveys definitions, prevalence, and theories of family violence in the United States. Special emphasis is given to 1) the impact of variation in definitions of family violence on scientific research and conclusions; 2) the societal response to family violence; and 3) the effectiveness of polleing strategies of domestic violence. Restricted to Class of Junior, Senior.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course presents a socio-anthropological view of human sexuality: its prehistoric origins, cultural diversity, and current controversies. Readings offer a cross-cultural perspective on sexual relationships and identities, with particular attention to how sexuality articulates with other areas of culture such as class, education, and social control. This course is the same as ANTH 3322 and SOCI 3322. When offered it will be crosslisted with ANTH 3322 and WS 3322. Restricted to Class of Junior, Senior.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 3330: Women in Fine Art (3-0) In "Women in Fine Art" students examine the lives and work of women artists in western culture from Ancient Greece to the present, and determine the social, political, and material conditions in a given time and place that made it more or less possible for women to be artists. In addition, students analyze the works of art themselves in terms of genre, design, and subject matter, and study to what extent gender has an impact on creative opportunities, subject matter, style, as well as the self-identity of an artist. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 3331: Gender and Popular Culture (3-0) "Gender and Popular Culture" aims to train students to think critically about popular culture and to achieve cultural literacy by studying, evaluating, and interpreting primary texts of popular or mass culture productions, such as advertising, television, music videos, popular music, and film. Students' study of popular culture is guided by secondary texts by experts who write extensively about the philosophy, values, and impact of popular culture on society. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course examines the material, social, and political conditions that made it possible for some contemporary American women artists to thrive and succeed as professional painters, sculptors, site artists, performance artists, and other types of artists. At the same time, students study the material, social, and political conditions that served as barriers to other contemporary American women artists. In particular, students examine how sexism and racism interact in the works and production history of contemporary African- American, Latina, and Asian-American artists. Restricted to undergraduate juniors and seniors.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course focuses on the film made by and/or about women that have a feminist perspective or address a feminist issue. Students will gain an introduction to feminist theory, as well as the ideological and formal principles of "feminist film" through readings, lecture, film viewings, reflection, and discussion. Both feminist fictional films and documentary films will be studied.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Queer Cinema (3-0) This course focuses on films made by and/or about LGBTQI people or issues relevant to this community. Students will learn about the ideological and formal principles of "queer cinema" through readings, lectures, film viewings, reflection, and discussion. Both fictional films and documentary films may be studied. Course may be offered with a special emphasis on a sub-population of the queer community, such as transgender people, or may cover the whole rainbow. Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 3340: Women, the Body, and the Machine (3-0) In "Women, the Body, and the Machine," students examine the major feminist theories of the significance and impact of technology on our society. Students consider how the social construction of gender has been influenced by the rise of technology. Students explore the social, cultural, and environmental consequences of technology. What new opportunities exist, what opportunities have been lost, if any, for how gender is understood and received by individuals and society? Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 3351: Gender and Religion Gender and Religion explores the history of religious traditions--not only how they have discriminated against women but also how we can reclaim the feminine aspects of those traditions. This course explores questions such as: how has the philosophy of religion created dualistic thinking that is hurtful to women, men, and minorities and how can religion empower men and women and enable change? Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 3360: Women in Literature (3-0) A study of literature by women writers. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Cross-listed with ENGL 3360. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 3370: Gender Roles and Society This course examines the emergence and institutionalization of gender stratification and the relationship between gender roles and social status, class, and power. Gender socialization, changing roles, and the consequences for society will be analyzed. Cross-listed with SOCI 3370. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course is designed to explore and critically analyze women's roles in sex work and the elements of oppression, moral standards, and the legal system surrounding them. We will drive into the controversial and often taboo world of sex industry arenas such as pornography, prostitution, exotic dancing, performing arts, human trafficking, and cyber sex. Students will look at women and their lives through a feminist lens to examine the often misunderstood world ofthe sex worker and contribute to possible solutions to what many consider an unacceptable life "choice." Restricted to undergraduate juniors and seniors.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course examines the social, cultural and demographic impact of major pandemic diseases and outbreaks including Plague, Cholera, Flu, Polio, Toxic Shock Syndrome and HIV/AIDS. We examine how social inequalities shape epidemics and their outcomes and how intersections of poverty, gender, sexual orientation, race and global inequalities contribute to the persistence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We consider six areas: 1) biological factors, 2) social epidemiology, 3) societal responses and social meanings, 4) patterns of blaming marginalized groups for creating and/or spreading epidemic disease, and 5) the role of social power and agency in public health/public policy responses. Restricted to Class of Junior, Senior.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Mental illness is a central component of social life and social structure. However, the individual and community experience of mental illness is profoundly shaped by the intersectional statuses of gender, race, class and nationality. Sociology, biopsychiatry, psychology, the general public, and people with mental illness view this subject with widely disparate perspectives. This course develops an integrated understanding of how these approaches help us comprehend mental illness in a broad, intersectional social context. We examine the public perceptions of mental illness through mass media, literature, memoirs, music, and poetry. Restricted to Class of Junior, Senior.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Women's Health will cover an overview of current health topics pertinent to women in the 21st century. The course will cover the basic politics and economics connected to women's health in the United States and globally. The course will focus on sexual and reproductive health through the life cycle, nutrition and exercise, and women's specific mental health topics.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

This course focuses on social justice issues and activism through entrepreneurship, non-profits, and volunteerism. Students analyze key social institutions and systems of power and/or oppression through a feminist lens, with emphasis placed on diverse perspectives related to gender, class, race, sexuality, ability, and culture. Topics include: overview of activism/social justice movements; introduction to social entrepreneurship; feminist coalitions/activism; civic responsibility; practical skills for effective non-profit/volunteer work. Restricted to undergraduate juniors and seniors.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Corequisite(s):

Examination of a particular theme or gender issues topic in the arts from an interdisciplinary or disciplinary-specific perspective. See the schedule of classes for designated topics. Topics will vary according to instructor and semester. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Examination of a particular theme or gender issues topic in the humanities from an interdisciplinary or discipline-specific perspective. See the schedule of classes for designated topics. Topics will vary according to instructor and semester. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Examination of a particular theme or gender issues topic in the social sciences from an interdisciplinary or discipline-specific perspective. See the schedule of classes for designated topics. Topics will vary according to instructor and semester. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Special Topics in Women's Studies (3-0) Examination of a particular theme or topic in women's studies from an interdisciplinary or discipline-specific perspective. See the schedule of classes for designated topic. Topics will vary according to instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

WS 3391: History of Women (3-0) An examination of the values, roles, and contributions of women in various historical contexts. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Cross-listed with HIST 3391. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Feminism of the 1960's & 1970's (3-0) This course focuses the Second Wave of American feminism, which is often thought to have been comprised of a white, middle-class sisterhood of like-minded women. This course will explore, question, and dispel this narrow scope by introducing the student to various voices from the margins of this time. Issues will include race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, and disability from the perspective of lesser known groups that have influenced and defined the women's movement during the second wave in the 1960's and 1970's. Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Students investigate gendered health issues from a variety of perspectives, and take an historical look at how health treatments have differed based on gender. Key questions examined include: What are the realtionships between gender, health, and medicine; what are the issues for womend as patients and healers; and what role does sexism, racism, classism, etc. play in the development and delivery of healthcare in the U.S.? Restricted to undergraduate juniors and seniors.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Feminist philosophy is a field of inquiry that challenges traditional answers to and proposes competing answers to central questions in a variety of philosophical subfields, such as ethics, political philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics philosophy of language, philosophy of science, among others. It does so on the grounds that oppression and privilege, conceptions of gender, and women's lives deserve philosophical consideration and may change the way that we understand philosophical problems. This course will introduce students to the variety of views in feminist philosophy or it will focus on a particular set of philoso- phical arguments within one subfield. Prerequisites: 1 course in Philosophy with grade of C or better OR by permission of instructor. Crosslisted with PHIL 4307. Restricted to class of JR, SR.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Feminist Theory (3-0) Traces evolving definitions of feminism through history, as theorists seek to understand the causes of gender inequality and women's diverse identities and oppressions. In addition to examining the impact of feminist theory across academic disciplines, the course also explores the political and practical applications of contemporary feminist thought. Prerequisite: WS 2300 with a grade of "C" or better. WS 2300 may be taken concurrently with WS 4310.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Prerequisite(s): (WS 2300 w/C or better)

WS 4314: Women, Power, and Politics (3-0) This course focuses on the distribution of power between women and men in society and the political implications of that distribution. Cross-listed with POLS 4314. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Junior/Senior Seminar in Women's Studies (3-0) Advanced research, readings and discussion on a major theme in women's studies. Students will refine research methods and theoretical approaches to the field, and they will develop an original research paper related to the course topic. Themes will vary according to instructor. See the schedule of classes for designated topic. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. Prerequisites: ENGL 1312 with a grade of "C" or better and Junior/Senior standing.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours

Prerequisite(s): (RWS 1302 w/C or better)

Gender, Food, and Society (3-0). This course examines foodways- the beliefs and behaviors surrounding the production, distribution and consumption of food - in the United States, the U.S. Southwest, and globally. Foodways are embedded in culture and reveal significant gender relations, social structures, power structures, and meaning systems. The course examines the role of food in constituting national, gender and ethnic indentities; the political economic and symbolic significance of food; and the global hybrization and commodification of food.

Department: Women's Studies

3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours