Approved Courses:

Politics 390: The Politics of Masculine Power (Le Blanc)
Contemporary power theorists have devoted tremendous energies to explaining why discursive structures, social practices, and social, economic, and political institutions constrain the power of women and members of minority races and ethnic groups. By implication, these theorists suggest that male members of the dominant race are empowered by the ideology and practices of a certain kind of masculinity. But exactly how is masculinity converted into power, and under what conditions? Are there costs to masculine power? How and by whom are they paid? And is it possible that what constitutes power for some men is actually disabling for other men? This course will use readings from both the classics of power theory and the new field of men’s studies to explore these questions. Students will also conduct field work in our local community, with its rich history as a refuge for and producer of prototypical male leaders.

Sociology 264: Work and Family (Cintron)
Surveys research and theory in the growing area of work-family studies. Explores how work and family life interconnect and influence each other and the implications of these linkages for women, men, children, employers, the community and society. Examines how gender, social class, family structure and race and ethnicity affect individuals' ability to manage work and family. Topics will include work-family conflict, childcare and eldercare issues, international perspectives on work and family, and changing attitudes towards work-life integration. Private and public policy initiatives will be reviewed.

Women's Studies 120: Introduction to Women's Studies and Feminist Theory (Bell)
This course introduces a range of topics and ideas that have been central to the field of women's studies. It illustrates the importance of women's issues, presents many feminist perspectives in a dialogic manner, and educates students about the history of feminist thought. Participants study major achievements by female philosophers, artists, performers, scientists, and scholars. This course draws on materials and methods from multiple disciplines, enabling students to engage in new ways with other academic fields as well as the non-academic environments in which we live.