Faculty of Arts

Women's Studies Courses

WS100 Introduction to Women's Studies 0.5

An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of women's studies that addresses the history of feminist thought, the main strands of feminist theory, the activism of second wave feminists and topics of contemporary concern. Topics may include representations of gender in the media, sexual politics, reproductive technology, health, globalization and women's movements.

Exclusion: WS200.

WS201 Women and Identity 0.5

An analysis of factors contributing to the construction of women's sense of self, from various feminist perspectives, including, e.g., those of psychology, sociology and cultural studies. Topics may include women and therapy, sexuality, relationships, violence, the media, mothering, empowerment, and physical and mental health.

WS202 Women in Canada 0.5

A study of the interconnections of gender, race, region and class and the nuanced interaction of these and other factors at work in women's lives in Canadian and Québécois society. Topics may include multiculturalism, aboriginal history, immigration, maternity, sexuality, religion and representation. (Cross-listed as CA252.)

WS203 Girls, Women and Popular Culture 0.5

A feminist examination of the way media and forms of popular culture, such as magazines, films, pulp fiction and advertising represent women and girls. We will look at some ways women have been able to resist and recuperate some of these forms and genres for their own purposes. Special attention will be paid to constructions of race, gender and ethnicity.

WS204 Women and Work 0.5

A study of issues relating to women and work both within and outside the home. Topics may include women in business, the double shift, gender and the workplace, legislation for working women, historical development of sexual division of labour, and women as immigrant, global and transnational laborers. Emphasis will be placed on the diversity and range of women's work experiences.

WS207 Indigenous Women 0.5

(Cross-listed as ID207.)

WS301 Special Topics in Women's Studies 0.5

An exploration of a specific area of concern in women's studies.

Prerequisite: WS100 (or permission of the co-ordinating committee).

Irregular course

WS303 Feminist Theory 0.5

Looking back to the past and ahead to the future, this course examines a variety of theoretical perspectives that inform feminist thought and movement today. Addressing debates on knowledge, experience, diversity and feminist practice, it emphasizes critical thinking and analysis of issues central both to personal life and to collective action.

Prerequisite: One WS course or background in feminist theory.

Exclusion: WS300, SY403.

WS304 Gender, Race and Transnationalism 0.5

An examination of the impact of global movements – of people, goods, culture and money – on our understanding of the national and the local. This course explores the ways in which inequalities and differences, arising both from new forms of globalization and from our history of colonialism and racism, affect contemporary societies. Readings will incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives and will identify possibilities for transnational feminist alliances that facilitate resistance and social change.

Prerequisite: Senior student status.

WS390 Directed Studies 0.5

Special study under faculty supervision.

Prerequisite: Permission of the co-ordinating committee.

Irregular course

WS400 Independent Research 0.5

A project on an area of concern in women's studies chosen in consultation with the faculty supervisor.

Prerequisite: Registration in WS honours program and permission of the co-ordinator.

Irregular course

Faculty of Arts Faculty of Arts – Programs and Courses Women's Studies

Official electronic version updated at 10:33 a.m. March 31, 2005