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Women's Studies

University Park, College of the Liberal Arts (WS BA)

PROFESSOR LORRAINE DOWLER, Director

This interdisciplinary major is designed to develop a broad understanding of the study of women and women's perspectives in all areas of academic scholarship. The focus is on feminist analyses of women's lives, of women's social, cultural, and scientific contributions, and of the structure of sex/gender systems. The interdisciplinary and inclusive nature of the field is reflected in a curricular structure that includes courses cross-listed with a wide variety of departments, courses that deal with aspects of women's lives throughout history, and courses that recognize the diversities of culture, race, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, and sexual orientation.

For the B.A. degree in Women's Studies, a minimum of 123 credits is required.

Scheduling Recommendation by Semester Standing given like (Sem: 1-2)

GENERAL EDUCATION: 45 credits
(See description of General Education in this bulletin.)

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR:
(Included in ELECTIVES or GENERAL EDUCATION course selection)

UNITED STATES CULTURES AND INTERNATIONAL CULTURES:
 (Included in ELECTIVES, GENERAL EDUCATION course selection, or REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)

WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM:
(Included in REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)

ELECTIVES: 18 credits

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: 24 credits
(3 of these 24 credits are included in the REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR, GENERAL EDUCATION, or ELECTIVES and 0-12 credits are included in ELECTIVES if foreign language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.)
(See description of Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements in this bulletin.)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR: 36 credits[1]

PRESCRIBED COURSE (6 credits)
WMNST 301(3) (Sem: 1-4)
WMNST 492W(3) (Sem: 7-8)

ADDITIONAL COURSES (9 credits)
 WMNST 001 GS;US;IL(3) or WMNST 003 GS;US;IL(3) (Sem: 1-4)
 WMNST 400 US;IL(3) or WMNST 401(3) (Sem: 3-7)
WMNST 494(3), WMNST 495(3), or WMNST 496(3) (Sem: 5-8)

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (21 credits)
Select 21 credits in Women's Studies from the program-approved list and in consultation with an adviser; at least 6 credits must be at the 400 level (Sem: 1-8):
a. 6 credits of arts and humanities courses
b. 6 credits of natural or social sciences courses
c. at least 3 credits that focus on non-Western women
d. at least 3 credits that focus on women of color in the United States

[1] A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better, as specified in Senate Policy 82-44.

Last Revised by the Department: Spring Semester 2002

Blue Sheet Item #: 30-02-008

Review Date: 4/16/04

LA