| An
Interdepartmental Program
Women’s studies is an interdisciplinary
minor that places the lives and experiences of women at the center of inquiry
by analyzing the roles and perspectives of women as well as their contributions
to the scholarly, artistic, political, social and religious worlds. There
is also an option to major in women's studies, by creating a humanitites
major that focuses on women's studies courses. Courses offered by many
different departments draw on recent theories and research that offer critiques
of current disciplinary claims and provide opportunities to observe the
extent to which knowledge is a human construct that is shaped by the persons
who create it. The women’s studies program is dedicated to building a more
complex and inclusive portrait of humanity by using gender as a legitimate
category of analysis, along with other differences, such as race, ethnicity
and class.
Students and faculty are challenged
to go beyond the boundaries of traditional subject areas and established
institutions by thinking critically and constructively about knowledge
and learning. At Concordia, women's studies classes are taught on a collaborative
basis, with students and teachers together shaping the experience and learning
that take place.
Why
Women's Studies?
Some
of the most innovative research in specific subject areas is now occurring
under the heading of women's studies. This recent scholarship on women
and women's experiences is relevant to both male and female students seeking
a liberal arts education. The interdisciplinary and critical approach of
women's studies encourages the pursuit of an understanding of the role
of values in teaching, research, and the construction of knowledge. Students
in women's studies develop perceptions and awareness that extend beyond
the classroom in both time and scope. The awareness of gender and gender
differences profoundly affects the way people live their daily lives. Students
carry that awareness into all of their course work, including their major
fields of study. They develop the ability to perceive systems at work and
observe themselves in relation to other systems and institutions."
the
Women's Studies Minor
The
minor requires five full courses from the list designated for women's studies.
To illustrate the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of women studies,
some courses are team-taught by faculty members of the various involved
departments. Although courses in women's studies are popular among Concordia
students, class sizes are usually kept small. Students are encouraged to
give input into existing courses, participate in cooperative learning experiences
and develop independent projects. There are several courses offered in
women's studies. The introductory course, Women's Studies 201, is
required for all students completing the women's studies minor. A survey
of the field, this course describes the framework for the minor and the
variety of ways in which the subject matter is approached.
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