Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies

6 credits · Undergraduate

(1.5 hrs Lecture | 1.5 hrs Seminar/Discussion) This course introduces theories, methods, and issues of Women's and Gender Studies, focusing on contemporary feminist scholarship and movement in North America. It explores how gender intersects with systems of power and inequality, including sexism, colonialism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and class discrimination to shape lived experience. It builds on the intersectional premise that sex, gender, and sexuality are inextricable from other social differences, such as race, ethnicity, religion, class, language, age, and (dis)ability in the construction of identity. Course materials may include scholarly literature, case studies, fiction, new media, film and video, art, and other forms of feminist cultural production. Note: Students with standing in WGS-1232(6) may not receive credit for the former 95.2332(6) offered prior to 1988. This course is required for majors, Honours, and minors in Women's and Gender Studies.