College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Spring 2000
Courses in Women's Studies
WHAT IS WOMEN'S STUDIES?
Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to
university study which prepares students to critique power
structures relating to sex, sexuality, race, class, age,
abilities, belief systems, and other societal institutions.
"Women's Studies has been defined by the founders of the
National Women's Studies Association as an 'educational strategy'
for change, with a double purpose: to expose and redress
the oppression of women. Women's Studies is the
intellectual and research arm of the women's
movement." (Humm, The Dictionary of Feminist
Theory, 1990). Women's Studies, however, is more than
traditionally academic; it is also committed to activism,
connecting theory with practice. Hence, Women's Studies
students have options to include community work as part of their
degree program. This can be acheived with internships, as
well as through course and club projects.
In Women's Studies classes, students can learn about women's
history; health and reproductive issues; the politics of sex;
images of women in literature; racial and cultural differences
among women; educational issues related to gender and race;
empowerment through education and self-defense; economics;
parenting; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues; images
of women in the media; the psychology of women; and so much
more. Women's Studies also prepares students for a wide
range of careers. Today, issues such as sexual harassment,
sexual orientation differences, racism, child care, etc. are
issues being addressed by employers. With a major or minor
in Women's Studies, students can earn an undergraduate degree
which will make them more attractive to future employers.
EXPANDING PERCEPTIONS
The program in Women's Studies at William Paterson is over 25
years old, making it one of the oldest such programs in the
country. Yet the major is one of the newest on campus. An
interdisciplinary course of study, the major provides career
opportunities in education, business, the arts, communication,
law, politics, medicine, the sciences and a host of other
endeavors. Graduates are working in diverse occupations as
academics, communication consultants, spiritual leaders, union
organizers, advocates for social, health and human services
programs, art therapists, librarians, lawyers, law enforcement
professionals, youth educators, counselors, and numerous other
professions.
Because of its interdisciplinary nature, the course of study is designed to provide historical and multicultural perspectives not just on women, but on gender, sex, race, class, religion and sexual orientation, and their impact on everyday life. Women's Studies courses focus on opening intellectual horizons and links with traditional academic disciplines. Many students who major in Women's Studies may also have a major in another field, such as history, political science, business, communication, psychology, English, education, or sociology. Those in other disciplines often select Women's Studies as a minor.
The newly-renovated Department offices and resources are located in rooms H205, H210, and the tower of Hunziker Hall. The site offers a drop-in space for Women's Studies students and hosts many women-oriented programs including poetry readings, discussion groups and other activities.
ACCENT ON ENRICHMENT
In addition to course offerings, the University is home to a
growing feminist community. The Feminist Collective is a
student government chartered group established to provide a forum
for addressing feminist issues as they impact on students' lives.
Open to the campus community, the Collective sponsors speakers
and performances among its many activities.
The Women's Center, established in 1993, serves
as a drop-in center, resource center, and provides counseling,
crisis intervention and support groups to meet student needs. In
conjunction with the Department of Women's Studies, and other
campus groups, the Center develops year-round programming, with
special events scheduled to coincide with Women's History Month
each March.
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William Paterson University
Go to Admissions
Department of Women's Studies
Wayne, NJ 07470
Undergraduate Program:
(973)720-3547 Fax: (973)720-2912
Chairperson Arlene Holpp Scala:
scalaa@wpunj.edu
This site was authored by Dr.
Arlene Holpp Scala.
Design by Mark Batelli, maintained by Dr. Molly
O'Donnell,
odonnellk@wpunj.edu