Department of Social Science

Women's Studies

A Social Science topical major

Program Coordinator: Professor Shahin Gerami

The Women's Studies Program offers a comprehensive course of study which provides students with a multidisciplinary body of knowledge, both theoretical and factual, about women. The curriculum emphasizes the diversity as well as the commonalities among women. The goals of the Women’s Studies Program include the promotion of intellectual growth, effective communication, realistic self-appraisal, leadership development, healthy behaviors, independence, collaboration, appreciation of diversity, and achievement of personal and educational goals. A Women's Studies minor provides students with information about women's experience, history and changing roles, thus offering a useful background for most professions and an important complement to any major.

Social Science Majors may choose a 30-unit major or 15-unit minor emphasis in women's studies. In addition to the courses offered by the Women's Studies Program, a wide variety of courses on women and gender is offered by other departments. A complete listing of courses is available each semester in the Women's Studies Program class list handout.

Interested students should consult with a Women's Studies Program faculty member for advising and approval of the program.

What can I do with a Women's Studies major/minor?

Jump to:   Courses in Women's Studies

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Major Requirements for Women's Studies emphasis

(33 units total)

Social Science Core (15 units):

SOCS 193.  Women & Minorities in the Social Sciences

SOCS 194.  Intellectual Foundations of the Social Sciences

SOCS 195.  Theory and Practice in the Social Sciences

AAS 185.  Multicultural Perspectives within American Society

WOMS 160.  Women, Race & Class

Complete nine units from:

WOMS 101.  The Study of Women

WOMS 190.  Internship

WOMS 192.  Senior Seminar in Feminist Theories

Complete nine units from:

WOMS 112.  Women in the Global Economy

WOMS 114.  Politics of Mothering & Reproduction

WOMS 144.  Vietnamese Women in America

WOMS 150.  Women and Popular Culture

WOMS 155.  Contemporary Women's Movement

WOMS 157.   Feminist Oral History & Personal Memoir

WOMS 169.   Feminist Perspectives on Women's Sexualities

WOMS 180.  Individual Studies

WOMS 187.  Feminist Perspectives on Gender & Education in the U.S.

AFAM 125.  The Black Family

AFAM 152. The Black Woman

AFAM 156. Black Women Writers: Race, Culture and Life Cycle in Cross-Cultural Perspective

AAS 160. Asian American Women

MAS 160. Blacks in U.S. Politics and Society

33 total units

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Requirements for the Women's Studies Minor

(15 units total)

Required Courses (9 units)

WOMS 101.  The Study of Women

WOMS 192.  Senior Seminar in Feminist Theories

One course focused on women of color (3 units)

Electives (6 units)

WOMS 010.  Perspectives in Sex & Gender

WOMS 020.  Women of Color in the U.S.

WOMS 112.  Women in the Global Economy

WOMS 114.  Politics of Mothering and Reproduction

WOMS 120.  Special Topics in Women's Studies

WOMS 122.  Women in the Second Half of Life

WOMS 131.  Gender, Sexuality and Religion

WOMS 144.  Vietnamese Women in America

WOMS 150.  Women and Popular Culture

WOMS 155.  Contemporary Women's Movement

WOMS 157.  Feminist Oral History and Personal Memoir

WOMS 160.  Women, Race and Class

WOMS 169.  Feminist Perspectives on Women's Sexuality

WOMS 175.  Sociology of Masculinity and Femininity

WOMS 182.  Women in Literature

WOMS 187.  Feminist Perspectives on Gender and Education in the U.S.

WOMS 190.  Internship

Any course listed on women's studies course handout (interested students should pick up women's studies minor handout and women's studies course list from the department)

Total Units: 15

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