Current Course Offerings

Exploration of the growing body of research available from many disciplines (humanities, social sciences, sciences) for the study of women and men in the United States and abroad. Investigation of femininity and masculinity and the intersection of gender with other categories of identity.

In-Person

Section 1
Instructor: O. Njoku
TTH 1-2:15, Music 157

Section 2
Instructor: TBD
TTH 9:30-10:45, Brevard 122

Section 3 -
Instructor: TBD
TTH 8-9:15 AM, Lamar 214

Section 4 - Freshmen Only
Instructor:
TTH 9:30-10:45 PM, Lamar 214

Section 5 - Honors Only
Instructor: T. Starkey
TTH 1-2:15, Honors 025

Section 6 -
Instructor: T. Starkey
TTH 11-12:15, TBD

Section 7 -
Instructor: S. Illinskaya
MSF 12-12:50, Carrier 211

Online and Independent Study

Online 1
Instructor: E. Venell

Online 2
Instructor: E. Venell

Online 3
Instructor: E. Venell

Online 4
Instructor: A. LaGrotteria

Online 5
Instructor: A. LaGrotteria

Online 6
Instructor: A. LaGrotteria

Online 7
Instructor: J. Enszer

Online 8
Instructor: J. Enszer

Online 9
Instructor: TBD

Online 10
Instructor: J. Venable

Online 11
Instructor: J. Venable

Online 11
Instructor: TBD

Independent Study Sec 4
Instructor: E. Venell

This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of queer and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) studies with a particular focus on the queer south. This course examines the historical and social contexts of personal, cultural and political aspects of queer/LGBT life, and it explores LGBT liberation movements in relation to families, religion, laws, and society using intersectional lenses that consider gender, ethnicity, race, class, and ability. We consider the status, roles, and experiences, of lesbians, gay men, bisexual, and transgender people, using a variety of sources from fields such as anthropology, history, literature, sociology, southern studies, and women’s studies. Through the readings, discussions, and assignments, students develop critical analytical skills to consider social change movements with particular attention to how sex, gender, race, class, sexuality, sexual orientation, and other systems of power shape people’s everyday lives.

Online 1
Instructor: J. Enszer

Online 2
Instructor: J. Enszer

A study of gender roles within traditional and popular culture. The specific content of the course may vary in different semesters. Possible emphases might include women in the arts, women in film, women in the media, and women in popular culture.

Section 1 - Honors
Instructor: S. Illinskaya
MWF 2-2:50 PM Guyton Annex 119
Topic: The Art of Becoming: Gender and Transformation in Public Spaces

How do public spaces shape our sense of self ? What makes a place feel safe and empowering? What makes it feel awkward and threatening? Do we have power to shape public spaces?

 In this course we will focus on artistic theories and practices of place-making. Why do artists venture outside their traditional spaces (art galleries and museums)? What are they trying to achieve? Does an aesthetic gesture really have the power to change anything? 

 We will examine several case studies that illustrate the gendered nature of public spaces, uncover their invisible stories, and propose a possible transformation. Our theoretical grounding will come not only from the assigned weekly readings but also audio and visual sources, as well as individual and group original research required for written assignments.

 Section 2
Instructor: TBD
MWF 1-1:50 PM - Lamar 519

Topic: TBA

Online 1
Instructor: A. LaGrotteria
Topic: Gender, Geography, and Appalachia

This Gender Studies course explores varied experiences of people living in Appalachia by focusing on texts in which this regional location plays a prominent role. Understanding that regional boundaries are fluid and open to interpretation, we will discuss Appalachian novels, essays, poems, memoir, photographs, and films that raise questions of: what and where is Appalachia; issues of gender, class, sexuality, region, and race; stereotypes; and what roles Appalachia plays in relation to the United States as a national entity. Students will be asked to frame their own experiences with place and identity in broader cultural and political terms. 

Online 2
Instructor: TBA
Topic: TBA

IS Section 32 Independent Study
Instructor: E. Venell
Queer Cinema

An exploration of LGBTQ-related plays and their influence on American culture.

Crosslisted as THEA 329

Online 1
Instructor: P. Williams

Theories in Gender is an interdisciplinary course encompassing works from feminist theory and other theoretical and methodological frameworks commonly used in Gender Studies, such as social construction theory and intersectionality. Feminist writers and thinkers have developed a multiplicity of theories to explain sex and gender, but feminist theory is not limited to these concepts. Feminists also theorize race, identity, sexuality, embodiment, work, citizenship, activism, and gendered positions in the family, the workplace, and society. Theories in Gender invites students to explore feminist theories in the context of the historical moments and intellectual traditions to which they relate. 

Online 1
Instructor: E. Venell

This course examines representations of femininity, masculinity, and sexuality across different modes of film practice in the history of popular US cinema, with specific attention to how these representations intersect with race, ethnicity, nation and class. Using analytical approaches from gender and sexuality studies, film and media studies, and cultural studies we will investigate the ways in which popular US cinema critically engages in the historical, social, and cultural construction of gender and sexuality. This course teaches basic concepts of film analysis so that students can apply them to the films we watch.

Online 1
Instructor: L. Delassus

Online 2
Instructor: L. Delassus

This course teaches students to examine and analyze how representations of gender and sexuality have or have not changed over time. This exploration will include theoretical readings and analysis of television, film, music & music videos, broadcast and print journalism, magazines, advertising, social media, comic books, graphic novels, anime, user-generated online content, and online gaming.

Online 1
Instructor: K. Cozart

Queering Television

Beginning with Norman Lear’s portfolio of shows from the 70s on and continuing through to streaming shows such as Sense8, Clean Slate, and One Day at a Time (a modern reboot of a Norman Lear show), this course will explore the characters, shows, moments, and directors/producers/creators that queered or changed television. Students will contemplate issues of gender, sexuality, sexual freedom, aging, intersexuality, changing social norms, and more. 

This course is a survey of contemporary theories and philosophical issues centering on women and feminism.

Crosslisted as PHIL 390

Online 1
Instructor: B. Smyth

This class explores interconnections between the exploitation of nature and subjugated peoples, while examining ecological philosophies, spiritualities, and strategies for social and environmental change. Through readings, films, discussion boards, and papers, we’ll ask questions about the meanings of environmental justice, while studying ecofeminist, and indigenous perspectives on such topics as environmental degradation, environmental racism, our duties to nonhuman animals, reproductive justice, and belonging. More generally, this term’s study of theory, social injustices, and activism will prompt us to examine assumptions about how we come to understand the world and whose knowledge counts; and how we envision the nature of the universe, including the relatedness of beings and entities in the world. 

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach, and integrates insights from literature, history, philosophy, theology, and social sciences. My hope is that this course will stimulate you to ask new questions and to engage in future studies of ecological philosophy and multicultural-feminist theorizing, spirituality, and activism.

Online 1
Instructor: J. Venable