Women’s Studies
Department Affiliation: History and Political Science
Women's Studies Minor
The minor in Women's Studies (WS) offers an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural and critical understanding of women and issues relating to gender including the practice of leadership. Courses focus on the intellectual, political and cultural life of women in a variety of social and historical contexts. The minor provides students with a strong theoretical and empirical background in understanding how gender and women's roles in society are shaped by factors such as race, class, ethnicity, culture and sexuality. The program emphasizes women as agents of social change through advocacy and policy making. The interdisciplinary nature of the minor exposes students to a diversity of approaches and views on gender and women's issues.
The Women's Studies program is well suited for students who are interested in pursuing advanced academic work in M.A. and Ph.D. programs, professional schools in law, business or medicine as well as for those students planning a career in public service, advocacy or social activism.
Women’s Studies Curriculum
The Women's Studies minor consists of 18 total units, including WS 10 (Introduction to Women's Studies). Nine (9) of the remaining fifteen units must be at the upper division level, and at least two of the courses must be from two different departments. All courses that are counted towards the WS minor must be approved by the Director of the Women's Studies program. Courses that emphasize leadership theory or practice are designated "LWS."
Requirements for the Minor
18 total units consisting of:
LWS 10
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Introduction to Women's Studies
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(3)
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The remaining 15 units will consist of the following courses that carry the Women's Studies course designation (Course descriptions can be found in the appropriate departmental sections of the catalog.):
LWS 1A
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Leadership Concepts
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(1)
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LWS 1B
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Leadership Concepts
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(1)
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WST 10
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Introduction to Women's Studies
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(3)
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LWS 100
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Leadership Studies
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(3)
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WST 191
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Internship in Leadership
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(3)
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WST 196H
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Senior Honors Thesis
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(3)
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ART 174
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Women in Contemporary Art
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(3)
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BUS 140
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Women's Issues in Business and Economics
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(3)
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ENG 27/127
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Women in Quest
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(3)
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ENG 123
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Women's Voices in Literature
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(3)
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ENG 129
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Ethnic Literature of America
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(3)
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HIS 191
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Major Issues in US Women's History
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(3)
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HIS 192
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Women of Color in the US
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(3)
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HIS 186
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Gender in American Life and Thought
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(3)
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NUR 182
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Leadership and Management
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(3)
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PHI 170
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Social and Political Philosophy
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(3)
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PHI 178
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Philosophy of Women
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(3)
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PHI 179
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Women and Values
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(3)
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POL 102
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Women and the Law
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(3)
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POL 139
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Women in International Politics
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(3)
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POL 147
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Women and Development
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(3)
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PSY 110
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Gender Issues in Psychology
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(3)
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PSY 139
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Child Abuse and Family Violence
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(3)
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PSY 144
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Psychology of Prejudice
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(3)
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PSY 175
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Human Sexuality
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(3)
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PSY 186
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Violence Against Women
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(3)
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RST 23
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Spiritual Journeys of Women
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(3)
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RST 135
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Women and Christianity
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(3)
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SOC 115
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Sociology of Violence
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(3)
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SOC 160
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Diversity in Society
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(3)
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SOC 161
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Dynamics of Majority-Minority Relations
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(3)
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SOC 163
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Women's and Children's Human Rights
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(3)
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SOC 164
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Advocacy and Human Rights
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(3)
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SOC 191
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Social Movements
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(3)
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SPA 146
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Women in Hispanic Literature
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(3)
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Women’s Studies Courses
LWS 1A Leadership Concepts (1)
An introduction to key leadership issues and concepts, with special emphasis on the connection of self-awareness, self-development and the role of gender to the leadership process.
LWS 1B Leadership Concepts (1)
An introduction to key leadership issues and concepts for women, with special emphasis on the development of team work, decision-making and communication skills.
WST 10 Introduction to Women’s Studies (3)
Analyzes the theories, concepts and issues in Women's Studies. Emphasis is placed on leadership, social justice and agency. This course focuses on women's issues (both historical and contemporary) by examining how gender interacts with race, class, sexuality and ethnicity. Gender is applied to various forms of social organization in different societies such as work, health, education, mass communication/media, law and policy.
LWS 100 Leadership Studies (3)
A critical examination of the leadership process, including emerging approaches to leadership, the leaders and strategies for change. A special focus will be on the role of college students in the leadership process.
LWS 125 Applied Leadership (3)
An experience-oriented course involving the student's observation and some application of the principles of effective leadership. Weekly seminars integrate fieldwork with theories and models of community and civic leadership.
WST 191 Internship in Leadership (3)
Qualified students intern in nonprofit organizations, government offices, or businesses where women's needs and concerns are being addressed. Selected readings and a written analysis of issues and experiences are required. Prerequisite: LWS 10. Maximum 3 units may be applied towards LWS minor.
WST 196H Seniors Honors Thesis (3)
Open only to students admitted to the Honors Program.
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