Women's Studies
About Women's Studies
The Women’s Studies Program at the University of Akron engages students in critical inquiry on women’s oppression in the U.S and globally; the socially constructed nature of gender and sexuality; the intersection of women’s oppression with race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and other forms of inequality; and importantly, histories and modes of feminist resistance. Through a wide variety of classes, Women's Studies encourages students to debate assumptions, explore divergent viewpoints, and investigate the social, economic, and cultural practices that have shaped the lives of women around the world.
With an emphasis on critical thinking, the program integrates intellectual scholarship and research to explore how women have been represented in literature, history, society, sociology, and the media. The course, Introduction to Women’s Studies, leads students in studies on systemic privilege/oppression, media and gender, sexuality, family studies, reproductive justice, work, gender violence, social policy, and feminist resistance. This course provides a foundation upon which to build a deeper knowledge of issues surrounding feminism, gender, and sexuality. Other courses in the Women’s Studies Program, as well as cross listed classes in Anthropology, English, Family and Consumer Sciences, History, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology, provide an eye opening and often life-altering college curriculum that prepares students to challenge power disparities found in society's most powerful institutions--family, church, academia, media, business, and government--and to work for a world founded on equality and dignity for all.
Contact Mary Triece, Director of The Women's Studies Program
mtriece@uakron.edu
330-972-6222
https://uakron.edu/ws/
Women's Studies (WMST)
Feminism is the basic belief that all people, regardless of gender, are equal. Feminist activism is the fight to have communities, nation-states, and cultures enact that belief in meaningful ways. This course will examine feminisms and feminist activism from around the world. We will look at feminism from a transnational perspective and view global politics through a feminist lens.