Gender Studies (GSS)

An introductory survey of the many ways American law (1) regulates persons based on sex and gender, (2) understands the rights and duties of persons as these relate to sex and gender, and for its own purposes, (3) "constructs" sex and gender. The course will explore issues of continuing relevance, such as rape law, intimate partner/domestic violence, sexual harrassment, anti-sodomy law, contraception, abortion, prostitution, and pornography, in their historical and legal context, while also addressing newer issues such as same-sex marriage and the rights of intersex and transgender persons. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

This course offers an introduction to women's and gender studies by examining key points in the historical record (post 1880), including the development of the feminist movement. The primary goal of this course is to familiarize students with key issues, concepts, questions, and debates in gender studies and sexuality studies. Drawing on texts from multiple disciplines, students will examine cultural assumptions about sex and gender. This course integrates analysis of historical events through student projects, aiming to increase awareness of contemporary and historical experiences, and of the multiple ways that sex and gender interact with race, class, nationality, and other social identities. Not challengeable.

Explores selected topics in gender studies. Course can be taken multiple times so long as the topic differs each time the course is taken.