Women's Studies courses
EDU 139: Women in Education
ENG 247: Women in Literature, 19th Century
ENG 248: Women in Literature, 20th Century
HEC 121: Gender Issues in Human Ecology
HIS 131: Women in American History
HUM 119: Women in the Pioneer Valley
PSY 225: Psychology of Women
PSY 259: Psychology of Oppression
SCI 113: Women in Science and Technology
WST 115: Introduction to Women's Studies
EDU 139: Women in Education
This course is a study of women's involvement with and experience in education.
The course explores the historical perspective of women's schooling, women's
contribution to the field of education, and the impact of gender on children's
current experiences in school. Strategies of inclusive teaching in a pluralistic
society are emphasized. Students in this course:
- articulate women's access to and experience in educational institutions.
- identify women's contribution to the profession of education.
- investigate the impact of gender on children's current experiences in early childhood education, elementary school, junior high/middle school, high school and college.
This course is highly participatory with many in-class activities: small-group work, paired activities, free writes, exploration of educational materials, story times, discussions, lectures, critiques of film and video, guest lecturers, panel presentations, chalkboard work and/or role plays. This course investigates the following topics:
- the history of women's education.
- biographies of women who have significantly contributed to education.
- current research on gender and schooling.
- women's intellectual leadership.
- feminism, teaching and change.
Course Textbooks
Failing at Fairness: How Our Schools Cheat Girls by Myra and David Sadker,
published by Simon and Schuster in 1994.
Just Girls: Hidden Literacies and Life in Junior High by Margaret J. Finders,
published by Teachers College Press in 1997.
Learning From Our Lives: Women, Research and Autobiography in Education, edited
by Anna Neumann and Peneolpe Peterson, published by Teachers College Press
in 1997.
For more information, contact Kate Finnegan.
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English 247: Women in Literature, 19th Century
In English 247, we explore issues of concern to 19th century women writers
in works such as Persuasion by Jane Austen, Frankenstein by Mary Wollstoncraft
Shelley,
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte,
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs,
Selections from Final Harvest by Emily Dickinson, and
The Awakening by Kate Chopin.
Growing up as a female, sex roles and their consequences, female creativity,
and the search for wholeness are among the issues addressed in these
works, as are slavery, child abuse, and breaking silences.
Emphasis in class is student-centered discussion focusing on literary
technique and theme. This course offers a supportive yet rigorous atmosphere
in
which you can develop confidence in your ability to understand and analyze
what you read. It also offers you the opportunity to enjoy reading some
excellent literature.
Requirements include two 4-6 page analytical papers based on questions
that arise during class discussion, an ongoing response journal or study
questions,
and a final essay exam.
For more information, contact Joanne Hayes or Phyllis Nahman.
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English 248: Women in Literature, 20th Century
In English 248, we read excellent essays, poems, short stories, and novels
written by a richly diverse selection of 20th century women. While readings
vary from semester to semester, sometimes including international writers,
a recent reading list included:
"I Am What I Am" by Rosario Morales
"Transformation of Language ..." and poetry by Audre Lorde
"A Jury of Her Peers" by Susan Glaspell
"Old Woman Magoun" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
"Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston
"The Shawl" by Cynthia Ozick
"Bashert" by Irena Klepfisz
poetry by Lucille Clifton
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston
Emphasis in class is student-centered discussion focusing on literary technique
and theme. This course offers a supportive yet rigorous atmosphere in which you
can develop confidence in your ability to understand and analyze what you read.
It also offers you the opportunity to enjoy reading some excellent literature.
Requirements include two 4-6 page analytical papers based on questions that arise
during class discussion, an ongoing response journal or study questions, and
a final essay exam.
For more information, contact Phyllis Nahman or Joanne Hayes.
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HEC 121 Gender Issues in Human Ecology
The intent of the course is to explore pre-historical, historical and present
day roles of women and men in relation to their environment. Surveys how gender
roles have affected survival in hunter gatherer and agrarian societies, earth
centered practices in religion and medicine and the growth of industrialism and
nationalism. Attention will be given to understanding gender linked relationships
between population, poverty and environmental degradation. Exploration of new
cooperative models will be used to examine ways to convert to an ecologically
sustainable society.
The class uses a variety of modalities to effectively convey the course objectives
including didactic, small and large group discussions, reflective writing as
well as short lectures, student presentations, and videos. Other experiential
exercises may also be used. Use of case studies may also assist participants
in further understanding problems and solutions.
Topics may include eco-alienation, natureline, postmodernity, dominator/partnership
models, goddess exploration, role of the scientific revolution, ecofeminism,
spirituality, feminist partnership, men's movements, racism, and anti racism.
Additionally, global issues, deep ecology, animals and environment as well as
population trends and poverty are explored.
Readings may include: The Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler. Additional readings
may include authors such as : Irene Diamond, Carol Christ, Michael Zimmerman,
Starhawk, Irene Diamond, Susan Griffin, Gloria Orenstein and others.
For more information, contact Dr. Anne Wiley.
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HIS 131: Women in American History
Who were these women? What is the history of their lives? How did they help
shape
the United States as we know it?
Did you know:
- 20,000 women participated in the American Revolution. Many were mustered out and received pensions for their military work.
- Prior to the establishment of colonies in the East and the opening of the American West, Native American women were the primary negotiators, tradespeople, translators for their tribes.
- Female slaves wove symbols of resistance into their patchwork and quilts.
Readings provide inquiries into such issues as, women's roles in organized
movements: religious, reform (labor, welfare, birth control), family (child
care), resistance
(abolition), unions, education, political (League of Women Voters), health, the
arts among others.
Women studied include: Anne Hutchinson (religious leader), Sarah Winnemucca (tribal
leader), Sojourner Truth (resistance leader), Elinore Pruitt Stewart (Wyoming
letter writer), Anita Hill (lawyer), Barbara Boxer (political leader), Lucretia
Mott (abolitionist), Emma Lazarus (essayist, poet), Clara Shavelson (union organizer),
Maya Lin (artist), Deloras Huerta (United Farm Workers), Carolyn Innes (gay and
health activist) among others.
Women in American History is offered every year, both day and evening.
For more information, contact Joanne McNeil Hayes.
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HUM 119: Women in the Pioneer Valley
What do Sojourner Truth, Emily Dickinson, Eunice Williams, Dr. Margaret Dole,
Frances and Mary Allen, Martha Phelps, Jill Ker Conway, Mary Lyon and Suzanne
Stempek Shea have in common? All are present or former women residents of the
Pioneer Valley--an artist, poet, doctor, colonial captive, photographers, novelist,
educator--talented working women as wonderfully varied and productive as our
Valley. In this course you will research your great grandmother's life (or the
life of a Valley foremother); interview a currently active Valley woman; visit
sites of Valley women's work and history; hear speakers who enthusiastically
tell of life and lives in our Valley. For more information, contact Phyllis Nahman.
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PSY 225 Psychology of Women
An exploration into the behavior and personality of women as seen through their
own eyes. Topics for investigation are: dispelling the myths and mysteries
about the development of women, significant gender differences, the quest for
a separate identity, transitional changes and adaptation, and the possibilities
for a more
generative life cycle. Prereq: Psy 101 or Soc 101 or Ant 104 or permission
of instructor. Meets GCC Behavioral Sciences (BC) requirement and UMASS Diversity requirement.
This course is primarily a discussion class with an emphasis on
theoretical frameworks and personal story as a way to explore girls' and women's
psychological development. This course explores theories, topics, and current issues of girls'
and women's lives in developmental psychology. The course examines and critiques
traditional psychological theories as well as provides implications for a fuller
understanding of girl's and women's lives.
Topics explored may include:
1) Historical and contemporary theoretical views on understanding women's behavior
and personality development.
2) Typical patterns of developmental growth of
girls and women throughout life
3) How traditional psychological models, including psychoanalytical, biological
and social models, have explained women's development and personality and how
newer models including relational model explore women's lives
4) Issues in
gender psychology including self image, moral reasoning, gender identity, lifespan
influences,
health and sexuality.
5) Intercultural and social issues that influence a women's psychological development
and personality including aging, career and work patterns, influence of stereotypes,
family patterns, media, and violence against women.
6) Racial, ethnic, international,
class, age and sexuality influences women's psychological development
Readings may include:
In Our Own Words edited by Rhoda Unger and Mary Crawford and Women's Growth
in Diversity edited by Judith Jordan, Alexandra Kaplan, Jean Baker Miller,
Irene
Stiver and Janet Surrey.
For more information, contact Dr. Anne Wiley
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PSY 259: Psychology of Oppression
This course explores an understanding of the psychological causes and processes
that are endemic to oppression. The course examines the emotional realities of
oppression as it presents itself in our day to day lives. The course explores
similarities and differences among sexism, ageism, classism, heterosexism, racism
and white privilege, anti-Semitism and ethnic oppressions. Meets UMASS Diversity
requirement.
This course is both experiential and didactic and attempts to weave understandings
of readings and content with the practical experiences that the role of oppression
plays in our daily lives. Through the use of mini-lecture, discussion, readings,
experiential activities, projects, videos and conversations, class members will
explore their own attitudes and how oppression operates at the interrelated levels
of the personal, institutional and cultural levels.
Topics include: similarities and differences among sexism, ageism, classism,
heterosexism, racism and white privilege, anti-Semitism and ethnic oppressions.
The topics are explored from the interrelated levels of the personal, institutional
and cultural moving towards understanding the psychological nature and impact
of oppressions and finding solutions for practice at the personal, institutional
and cultural.
Readings may include: The Troubles by Tim Pat Coogan, Century of Genocide by
Samuel Totten, William Parsons, and Israel Charney, Bridging the Class Divide
by Linda Stout, and Holocaust Journey by Martin Gilbert.
For more information, contact Dr. Anne Wiley.
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SCI 113: Women in Science and Technology
This course attempts to view science in light of historical and contemporary
issues related to the contributions of women, and to examine the impact this
issues have on the future of science and humanity in general, and women in particular.
For this purpose, this course examines the roots of scientific thought and the
limitations and implementation of scientific methodology. Students are encouraged
to consider the effects that institutions, family and other environmental factors
have on the development of women's careers in science and technology.
The course uses a hybrid of laboratory, lecture and discussion section formats
in which traditional approaches to research, technology and science implementation
are studied and critiqued, focusing specifically on potential biases and preconceptions.
As part of the laboratory curriculum, some experiments undertaken by women throughout
history are recreated, while new experiments of interest to each individual class
are developed, researched, conducted and presented. Students progress is assessed
by a combination of portfolios, class presentations, laboratory projects and
traditional exams.
Suggested readings:
Lifting the veil: the feminine face of science. Linda Jean Shepherd
Female Friendly Science. Sue V. Rosser.
Journeys of Women in Science and Engineering. Susan A. Ambrose
Failing at Fairness. Myra and David Sadker.
For more information, contact Beth Erviti or Ana Gaillat
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WST 115: Introduction to Women's Studies
Introduction to women's studies as a basis for understanding human development,
social systems and the historical and biological perspectives that affect women's
lives in the twentieth century. Prereq: None. Meets UMASS Diversity requirement.
This course aims to raise a series of questions and introduce students to women's
studies. By taking women's experience and interests as central, what can we learn
about the cultural consequences of the gender division and organization of social
life?
This course is primarily a discussion class with an emphasis on an interdisciplinary
approach to examining women's lives. Readings, videos, discussion prompts, short
lectures and small group work and exercises are used to facilitate class discussion.
Topics explored may include:
- how women and men communicate
- how popular culture and the media influences women and men
- how our perceptions of race, class, age, physical ability and appearance, sexuality and ethnicity inform and shape our understanding of human beings
- how we can begin to reevaluate traditional notions of femininity, masculinity and gender roles
- how to understand how work, welfare, family, education, and intimate relationships impact women and men
- how violence in our culture impacts men and women
- how women's literature, art and music is similar and different from men's
Readings may include: Some essays, poetry, short stories, critiques of theories,
historical analysis, and research studies on women's lives are used. Readings
are taken from varied sources and include an introductory reader, such as Feminist
Frontiers IV. Students also read Ruth Sidel's Keeping Women and Children Last.
For more information, contact Dr. Anne Wiley
Women's Studies
Greenfield Community College | One College Drive Greenfield, MA 01301 |
413/775-1000