WOMEN’S STUDIES PROGRAM

Guidelines for Women’s Studies Faculty and Approved Electives

Mission Statement
The Women's Studies Program broadens women's and men's knowledge of gender dynamics, globally and historically, with an emphasis on issues central to women's lives. Through an interdisciplinary classroom experience, community outreach, and special events, the Women’s Studies Program advances understanding of the social and cultural institutions and practices that affect us. GOALS:
  • sharpen ability to critically analyze gender issues
  • encourage the practice of feminist scholarship
  • enhance intellectual and personal growth
  • foster an atmosphere in which diversity is valued
  • advocate ethical conduct, social justice, and responsible global citizenship
These goals support the university’s goals in a number of ways. As an interdisciplinary program, Women’s Studies enhances intellectual and personal growth by synthesizing various ways of knowing, learning, and communication. For the undergraduate minor, approved electives must be taken in both the humanities and the sciences/social sciences, thus exposing students to alternative methods of social, political, scientific, and literary analysis. The core course in the interdisciplinary minor (Introduction to Women’s Studies) meets Category C (social sciences) of the general education requirements. The graduate certificate, which is fully available online, consists of at least five courses: two core courses and three electives, one of which must be outside the student’s home discipline.

 

I. Women’s Studies Faculty

Women's Studies faculty include all faculty under current contract with Western Kentucky University who have taught a course listed as a Women's Studies course over the past four years and whose teaching, research, and/or service is substantially and appropriately connected to Women's Studies, as determined by the Women's Studies Curriculum and Steering Committees.

Every other year (even years), all Women's Studies faculty will see that relevant course syllabi and a copy of their current CV are on file in the Women's Studies office.

To become a member of the Women’s Studies Faculty, supply the following materials to the Curriculum Committee (c/o the program):

1. a cover letter describing your experience in women’s studies, including a statement about how your work is compatible with the guidelines below;

2. a syllabus for the course you would like the committee to consider as an approved elective; or a sample syllabus or detailed outline for a course you wish to teach in the future, including texts and assignments;

3. a current CV.

After these materials have been reviewed by the Curriculum Committee, you may meet with the Committee to discuss your plans. Pending approval by the Curriculum Committee, the Director of Women’s Studies will notify you and your department head of the decision.

Membership in the Women’s Studies Faculty is reviewed every other year.

II. Women’s Studies Courses/Guidelines

Given the mission of the Women's Studies Program, it is understood that Women's Studies courses focus on women and gender and aim to

1. assist students in exploring how social constructions of gender have contributed to the oppression and/or empowerment of women and men, historically and in contemporary America and the world;

2. introduce students to differences, including, but not limited to, those based on ability, age, class, ethnicity, family composition, gender identity, race, region, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and the distribution of resources in and among countries and groups globally;

3. use authors whose work reflects current feminist scholarship;

4. incorporate pedagogies that stress collaborative and active learning and that facilitate critical thinking, reading, and writing.

Once the course is approved, the syllabus should include a statement explaining that the course counts towards the WS minor and/or graduate certificate. Example:

Western has a strong and growing Women’s Studies Program. We offer courses that are cross-listed in over eleven other departments. Undergraduates can minor in women’s studies, and graduate students can earn a graduate certificate. Every semester the program sponsors several on-campus events, including films and speakers. Taking women’s studies courses and attending our events is a great way for both women and men to become part of a smaller community of interesting and intelligent people at the university. If you are interested in learning more about women’s studies at WKU, contact the instructor, drop by the Women’s Studies Center at 1532 State Street, or visit the website: http://www.wku.edu/womensstudies

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