Program Requirements

Course Descriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Links to Resources

Women's Studies Committee

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Michelle Parkinson
Coordinator of Women's Studies
Department of English
264 Kleinpell Fine Arts
410 S. Third Street
River Falls, WI 54022-5001
(715) 425-0619
(715) 425-3850
michelle.parkinson@uwrf.edu

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Women’s Studies?

Why should I minor in Women’s Studies?

Is Women’s Studies only about women?

What can I do with my Women’s Studies minor?

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What is Women’s Studies?

Women’s Studies is an interdisciplinary academic area that examines issues of gender, sexuality, and diversity.  This field includes a range of topics of concern to all people, and explores them from historical, educational, literary, artistic, psychological, sociological, and biological perspectives.
We take a contextual approach to these issues that includes asking questions such as: 

• How is gender socially constructed?
• What are the consequences for behaving outside gender norms? 
• How does gender affect employment practices and workplace environment?; and many others

Why should I minor in Women’s Studies?

The Women’s Studies minor is an asset on the job market in both the public and private sectors.  As the workplace continues to become more diverse, including more women and people of color in positions as supervisors, co-workers and clients, the need for enlightened cooperation and mutual empowerment has become more urgent.  Women’s Studies provides students with a starting point for addressing this need.

Women’s Studies is useful to both women and men because it works against gender exclusivity, exposing unexamined attitudes in order to facilitate cooperation and collaboration among all people, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, social class, or sexual identity.

Is Women’s Studies only about women?

No, Women’s Studies is about people though it has tended historically to focus solely on women.  Our curriculum includes feminist theory, women’s history, women’s fiction, gender socialization, issues of gender in the workplace, and intersections of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and social class. 

What can I do with my Women’s Studies minor?

The minor in Women’s Studies opens up many possibilities for jobs in the public and private sectors.  When hiring, many employers look for people who can work successfully with a range of populations — including women, LGBTQ populations, and diverse ethnic groups.  A minor in Women’s Studies provides you with the tools to succeed in a diverse world.

 

 

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