Gender Studies (GEN) Courses

GEN-101 Introduction to Gender Studies

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of gender studies by exploring questions about the meaning of gender in society. The course will familiarize students with the central issues, questions and debates in Gender Studies scholarship by analyzing themes of gendered performance and power in law, culture, education, work, health, social policy and the family. Key themes may include but are not limited to the relationship between sex and gender, the legal and social workings of the private / public distinction, the way that disciplinary practices code certain behaviors as masculine or feminine, the intersection of gender with race and ethnicity, the gendered structure of power, the tension between difference and equality, the production and circulation of gender expectations in the media, and the contested role of the law in achieving equality. By course end, students will understand central themes and debates in the field of gender studies, demonstrate a facility with basic terms and concepts of the field, apply methods of analyzing gender to society and to their own life experiences and communicate effectively about these issues in writing and speech
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts, History/Philosophy/Religion

GEN-102 Human Sexual Behavior

An overview of human sexual anatomy, development, function, and diversity. Emphasis is on the psychological aspects of sexuality including the study of attitudes towards sexuality, sexual preference, love and marriage, contraception, and commercial sex. Particular attention is paid to the development and enactment of sex roles, the construction of gender, and sex differences.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

GEN-103 Seminars in Theater

These seminars focus on specific topics in theater and film. They are designed to introduce students to the liberal arts expressed by noteworthy pioneers and practitioners in theater and film.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

GEN-104 Intro to Philosophy: Nature

This course will serve as an introduction to philosophy by examining the ways philosophers have used nature historically to justify the social order: by identifying essences that prescribe roles, legitimating social hierarchy by dividing the world between what is closer to nature and what overcomes or surpasses nature, distinguishing between good and natural actions and bad and unnatural ones, and distinguishing between culture and the material of culture. This course will examine the philosophical positions behind these claims and critiques of these positions. The course will take up the example of gender at various places across the semester to think about the implications of various conceptions of nature in the history of philosophy. Students are discouraged from taking more than one course numbered 109 or below.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Equated Courses: PHI-104

GEN-105 Fatherhood

An introduction to the psychological research into issues surrounding fatherhood. Topics to be covered include the role of fathers in children's development, the effect of being a father on adult development, men's views on fatherhood, the effect of fatherhood on romantic relationships, and balancing work and home life.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Equated Courses: PSY-105

GEN-171 Special Topics

The content of this course varies from semester to semester, and it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to Self-Service and the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1

GEN-200 Special Topics

Seminar discussion of a topic or area in ethical theory, applied ethics, or social and political philosphy. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

GEN-209 Special Topics: Behavioral Sciences

Various topics at the intermediate level pertaining to economic, political, sociological or psychological approaches to gender, family, sexuality ore related issues. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's web page for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1

GEN-210 Topics in American History

Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

GEN-212 World Cinema

The course will survey non-Hollywood international movements in the history of cinema. It will explore issues of nation, history, culture, identity and their relation to questions of film production and consumption in contemporary film culture. Emphasis will be placed on major directors, films, and movements that contributed to the development of narrative cinema internationally. The course will investigate a variety of genres and individual films, paying close attention to their aesthetic, historical, technological and ideological significance. For example, African cinema introduces themes of colonialism, resistance and post-colonial culture, while the New Iranian Cinema articulates problems of politics and censorship within a new national film culture.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1

GEN-230 Topics in Modern Europe

Various topics on gender, sex and/or sexuality in modern Europe. Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated upon the instructor's approval. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

GEN-231 Intermediate Topics in Political Theory

Intermediate course on a topic in political theory focusing on gender, sex and/or sexuality. Topics vary from semester to semester. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's web page for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
Distribution: Behavioral Science

GEN-270 Special Topics: Lit/Fine Arts

Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

GEN-277 Special Topics

The course provides opportunities for specialized, innovative material to be made available for students at the introductory level. Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

GEN-300 Studies in Multicult/Nat'l Lit

GEN-302 Adv Topics:World&Comp History

This course provides opportunities for small group and independent work in intensive study of selected topics in world and comparative history. Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: 0.5 credit from HIS
Credit: 1
Distribution: History/Philosophy/Religion

GEN-303 Gender and Communication

As a culture, we often we take gender for granted. Yet, we live in a culture where men and women are molded and shaped by communicative practices and mass-mediated representations that generate our ideals of masculinity and femininity. This class examines this process-providing a platform for students to reflect upon gender formation and develop a theoretical vocabulary for describing this process. By the end of the semester, class participants will develop a more sophisticated understanding of the manner in which gendered messages and practices have shaped perceptions of their symbolic universe.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1

GEN-304 Studies in Special Topics

Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: ENG-105, ENG-106, ENG-107, ENG-109, ENG-160, ENG-214, ENG-215, ENG-216, ENG-217, ENG-218, ENG-219, ENG-220, ENG-260, or ENG-297
Credit: 1

GEN-324 Advanced Topics: American History

This course provides opportunities for small group and independent work in intensive study of selected topics in American history. Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: HIS-240, HIS-241, HIS-242, HIS-244, or HIS-245
Credit: 1

GEN-400 Seminar in English Lit

Two sections of ENG-497 are the two Advanced Courses offered every fall. These are seminars designed primarily for English majors (although occasionally English minors enroll in them). The topics vary depending upon the research and teaching interests of the faculty. They demand a high level of student involvement in research and discussion. Several short papers and a long critical essay are required. Note: the two seminars are offered only in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

GEN-487 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

GEN-488 Independent Study

GEN-490 Gender Studies Capstone

Seminar in Gender Studies
Prerequisites: GEN-101, and 2 additional credits from GEN
Credit: 1