Course Objectives and Overview: This course is designed to be an interdisciplinary introduction to Women's Studies—a broad, interdisciplinary field encompassing the study of women's experiences, lives, roles, and contributions to the world at large.  Since the class is an introduction, we will use a variety of theoretical frameworks to explore an array of issues associated with and important to the lives of women in different contexts.  We will study women's roles and status in society, evaluate present knowledge about women, question gender stereotypes, and explore different ways scholars account for gender construction.  Furthermore, we will investigate how individuals can transform theoretical concepts into practical actions.

Attendance: Your participation in this course is essential, and as a result, so is attendance.  In the event of illness or other mitigating circumstances, you are allowed to miss 4 class periods without penalty.  Each subsequent absence after 4 will result in a one-full letter grade reduction of your final grade.  For instance, a final grade of A would be reduced to B with five absences; C with six absences; etc.  We do not attempt to distinguish between “excused” and “unexcused” absences—it is assumed that when you miss class, you have a good reason for doing so.  Your four absences are to be used for the inevitable doctor’s visits, illnesses, sports events, court appointments, and funerals that may come up during the semester. Extraordinary circumstances will be dealt with on a one-to-one basis as needed.