Frequently asked questions about Women's Studies

1) Why take a Women's Studies course?
Students take Women's Studies courses at GCC for many reasons: to fulfill a liberal arts requirement in the humanities, behavioral sciences and/or sciences core; to explore women's lives and gender issues through literature, history, psychology, education, human ecology and/or science; and to meet the UMass diversity core requirements.

2) Why take Introduction to Women's Studies?
Students enroll in an Introduction to Women's Studies class because they are interested in examining women and their lives. Some are curious about 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 our understanding of human beings; and how we can begin to reevaluate traditional notions of femininity, masculinity and gender roles. Others are interested in understanding how work, welfare, family, education, and intimate relationships impact women and men. Some want an increased understanding of how violence in our culture impacts men and women. Finally, students also want to explore women's literature, art and music is similar and different from men's and gain a more global perspective on women.

3) Why do students recommend a Women's Studies course?
"Women's Studies courses allowed me to discover who I am as a woman and to understand that there is more to me than what others see."

"Women's Studies opened my understanding of what options are available to me and gave me a better understanding of how the visibility of women in all curricula is necessary for a better world. For the first time, I saw myself represented, my history included, my future goals realized."

"Women's Studies courses gave me the courage to speak my mind."

4) Are Women's Studies classes only for women?
Absolutely not! Men, who have chosen to take Women's Studies, have said:

"Women's Studies gave me a body of knowledge that taught me to question not only the answers, but the questions as well. "

"I strongly encourage men to enrich their lives by taking a Women's Studies class."

"Women's Studies classes will help all, men and women, have a better overview, a more inclusive understanding of all of our history."

5) Do I have to declare that I am majoring in Liberal Arts: Women's Studies Option to take a Women's Studies course?
NO! Women's Studies courses are open to any student regardless of major. All students are welcome.

6) Do Women's Studies courses transfer?
Absolutely. Women's Studies courses are included in nearly every college across the country. Over 800 colleges and universities have majors or minors in Women's Studies. Our courses often meet liberal arts requirements at other institutions. If students are uncertain about the particular institution about which they hope to transfer to, they can see the transfer counselor or a Women's Studies advisor here at GCC.

7) What can I do with a Liberal Arts Option in Women's Studies?
Students transfer to nearby and national institutions and major or minor in Women's Studies and other liberal arts programs. Students enroll in the option to fulfill their UMass diversity core course requirements. Others transfer into career related programs in Health, Education, Social and Human Services, Counseling, Law, Technology and Gerontology. Other students wish to work in careers serving women, including women's shelter programs, agencies serving women and children, women's centers, women's health services, small businesses serving women, women's magazines, and similar careers.

8) What can I learn about myself as a person as a result of an experience in Women's Studies courses?

"I have been flooded with the realities of how important these courses are in developing or nurturing those women whose self-esteem, like my own were made to fall through gender biased teaching and in ensuring that someday we will understand why gender lines have been so defined in our history and how to break them down."

"In these few months I have begun to realize that my declining sense of myself was not a result of my own capabilities, but as a result of the social construct, so ingrained in our mentality that education is handled differently men/boys and women/girls."

"To see myself represented in the subjects I love, has been totally eye opening and exciting. Paying attention is much easier."

For further information contact one of the Women's Studies advisors:

Women's Studies
Greenfield Community College  |  One College Drive  Greenfield, MA 01301  |  
413/775-1000