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WAGS Winter/Spring 2013 brochure


Spotlight Course

WAGS 0320 Of Body Parts: Topics in Feminist Theory

The seminar is designed to familiarize students with key feminist texts and theories that have shaped the analysis of gender and sexuality.  In 2013, the course will center on how feminist theories have addressed the issues of the body, body parts, and corporeality. Working within transnational and critical race perspectives, course materials will examine: (1) how particular body parts have come to stand in for gender and sex identities; (2) from a range of disciplinary perspectives how and when body parts have been mobilized in the interests of biopower; and (3) the political economy of science and biology in investing the body as the primary site of gender identity. In each section the readings will locate feminist theories in relation to histories of colonialism and postcolonialism, as well as theories of nationalism and gender-based activism. (WAGS 0200 or SOAN 0191) 3 hr. sem. CMP, SOC (S. Moorti)

Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies Requirements

Requirements for a Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies Major: The major requires a minimum of ten courses and comprises several discrete aspects, as outlined below. Some of the courses can be double-counted if they fulfill different requirements within the major. 

Major requirements (10 courses):

  • SOAN/GSFS 0191
  • One introductory course from the humanities, such as GSFS 0102, or GSFS 0234, or one approved by the director
  • GSFS 0200
  • GSFS 0320
  • Two courses to fulfill the Breadth Requirements (explained below)
  • Three electives bearing the GSFS prefix, one of which must be at the 0300-level or higher and one that must be at the 0400-level or higher
  • Senior Work (one-semester senior essay or multi-semester thesis)

Breadth Requirements (2 courses):
To ensure that students are conversant with and have some in-depth knowledge of the key concerns animating the field, they must take at least one course each from two of three breadth requirements. Courses meeting the breadth requirement can be found on the Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies webpage.

  • Intersectionality/Critical Race
  • Critical Sexuality Studies
  • National/Transnational Contexts

Senior Work:  Majors are required to complete an independent project based in the core field that applies feminist theory and methodology. The project may be either a one-semester senior essay or other creative work (GSFS 0700), or a multi-semester senior thesis (GSFS 0710). 

Minor Requirements:The minor comprises five courses including:

  • one introductory course from among SOAN/GSFS 0191, ENAM/GSFS 0102, or PHIL/GSFS 0234
  • GSFS 0200
  • GSFS 0320
  • two electives bearing the GSFS prefix