Selected Topics

Three credits · Undergraduate

The topic for 2026-2027 is Fat Studies. The word “fat” is burdened by a long history of structural oppression and stigma. Fat studies asserts that fatness is a significant axis of oppression that intersects with other relations of power. Topics include defining fatphobia/fat oppression/anti-fat bias; why intersectionality is essential to understanding fatphobia, anti-fat bias in healthcare; problematizing the idea that fatness is a “choice” as well as the positive moral value attributed to “healthiness;” fatness in popular culture; and fat liberation/revolution. Prerequisite: WMGS 100 or third- or fourth-year status with permission of instructor. Three credits.