Old Major and Minor Requirements

(for students entering Hope College prior to Fall 2008)

Major Requirements:

• 32 Credit Hours
• WS 200: Introduction to Women's Studies (Dickie, Kipp, Staff)
• WS 300: Global Feminisms (Dandavati, Staff)
• WS 350: Visions of Justice: Feminist Theory and Methodology (Dickie, Staff)
• WS 494: Keystone Seminar (Dickie, Staff)
• One Each from A through D

Minor Requirements:

• 20 Credit hours
• WS 200: Introduction to Women's Studies
• EITHER WS 300: Global Feminisms OR WS 350: Visions of Justice: Feminist Theory and Methodology
• WS 494: Keystone Seminar
• Two courses from A through D

WS 200. Introduction to Women's Studies
Whereas historically women have been studied as outsiders or objects, this course will study women as subjects. Through reading and extensive discussion participants will explore and assess underlying assumptions in scientific and pseudo-scientific, academic, and popular theories about gender. We will explore the effects of sexism and prejudicial attitudes on men and women. We will assess the validity of biological, psychological, sociological, anthropological, and religious explanations for gender asymmetry (why men have historically had more privilege and power). Participants will be encouraged to examine their own live and empowered to teach and learn from one another.

Four Credits Kipp Fall and Spring

WS 300. Global Feminisms
The purpose of this course is to examine the politics of women's location in various parts of the world. It will examine women both in emerging and developing countries. We will look at many different perspectives and viewpoints that determine women's status in society today. Students will become familiar with various/alternative views of women sepcifically in the third world.

Four Credits Dandavati Fall

WS 350. Feminist Visions of Justice: Theories and Methods in Action
Doing something about an issue or problem requires an understanding, called theory, and a methodology to bring about change. Women’s Studies is rooted in women’s movements, in women’s lives and actions, and in feminist analysis around the globe. This course looks at feminist visions for justice and invites students to examine their own theories and methods of action in light of current issues in women’s studies, including: globalization, anti-racist and anti-heterosexist critical theory, generational shifts in second and third wave feminisms and others which will be developed by the class This class we will link theory and action, and each student will develop his or her own feminist theory and method in order to carry out a project.

Four Credits Dickie Fall

WS490. Independent Projects
An in-depth, independent study of women, women's issues or other topics analyzed from a feminist perspective or a project designed to bring about systemic changes to encourage, support or advance women or gender equality.

Variable Credits Staff

WS494. Keystone Seminar
This course is a senior course in which students integrate feminist theory and practice into an individual project or internship or project and meet with other Women's Studies majors and minors to discuss the implications of their work for themselves and society. The course requirements can be satisfied in one of three ways: 1) doing a research project and writing a paper, 2) doing an activist project which seeks to transform some aspect of the community, 3) completing a community-based internship. This requirement can also be met in an off-campus program with prior approval.

Variable Credits Dickie Spring

WS 496. Internship Program in Women's Studies
An internship in women's studies with the Philadelphia Center, Washington Semester, Chicago Semester, or a placement in the West Michigan area approved by the director of women's studies.

Variable Credits Staff