Phone: (845) 257-3035
Location: JFT 214A
Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/wmnstudies

Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies (WGSS) explores the dynamics of gender and sexuality in relation to local and global structures of power, privilege, and oppression. We provide interdisciplinary and disciplinary courses, offering a range of methodological and theoretical tools to empower our students to think critically and develop new epistemologies. Additionally, we sponsor lectures, panels, and films, and every two years, we host an interdisciplinary conference open to the public. Our core faculty and numerous affiliates are committed to a feminist pedagogy rooted in social justice and equality.

One of the oldest programs in the SUNY system (founded in 1972), WGSS offers a major that leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a 20-credit minor. Both programs provide a foundation in feminist histories, theories, research methods, and practices, complemented by electives that examine representation, identity, politics, socioeconomics, social movements, and locations. Through our practicum course, WOM420, students who major in WGSS gain experience working with organizations that serve or mobilize women. In our senior seminar, WOM490, they pursue independent research in topics of their own choosing.

The Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies program at New Paltz is committed to improving the position of women on campus and in the broader community.

Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies (BA) Program Learning Outcomes

  • Be able to identify key themes in the history of the women’s movement and intersections with other social justice movements.

  • Demonstrate awareness of the nuances of gender and gendered representations in art and popular culture.

  • Identify several ways that race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect globally and in the U.S.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of a range of feminist, gender and queer theories and their implications for social, political, and economic analysis.

  • Formulate a feminist research question and develop a feminist research design to answer it (General Education: Information Literacy)

  • Demonstrate an applied understanding of the intersectionality of race, class, gender, and sexuality in community-based settings (General Education: Critical Thinking and Reasoning).

ANT421Gender and Anthropology 3
BLK221The Black Woman 3
CMM359Communication Among Cultures 3
CMM452Communication and Gender 3
EDS351Education of Self 3
ENG230Women In Literature 3
ENG231American Woman Writers 20Cen 3
GER319Women In German Lit&Film 3
HIS305Women in Early Modern Europe 3
HIS313Religion and Power in the Ancient Near East3
HIS316Gender and Sexuality in Classical Antiquity3
HIS480Women in China 3
POL356Sex Discrimination and the Law 3
POL379Women in Politics 3
PSY372Psychology of Women3
SOC360Sociology of Gender 3
SOC361Images of Poverty in Film 3
SOC362Race, Class, and Gender 3
SOC410Sociology of Sex & Sexualities3
THE327Race Gender and Performance 3
WOM coursesSee descriptions below

WOM193. WGSS Selected Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

May be repeated for credit

WOM199. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

May not be repeated for credit

WOM220. Introduction to Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. 4 Credits.

An introduction to the field of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with particular focus on foundational feminist thought, issue-based platforms, and social movement activism.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • GE5: DEISJ
  • Effective Expression/Written
  • Information Mgmt Intro
  • Liberal Arts
May not be repeated for credit

WOM222. The Queer Experience. 3 Credits.

Utilizes biography as a window on the queer experience. An interdisciplinary approach to understanding a community defined by the sexual orientation and gender identity of its members.

Attributes:

  • GE3: DIVR
  • Effective Expression/Written
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate

WOM293. Selected Topics. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

May be repeated for credit

WOM295. Indep Study Womens Studies. 0 Credits.

May be repeated for credit

WOM299. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

May not be repeated for credit

WOM310. Motherhood and Mothering. 3 Credits.

Students explore historical, cultural, socioeconomic, and theoretical frameworks for understanding constructions of motherhood; reproductive justice; intersectional identity and parenting; queer mothering; birth and breastfeeding; adoption; assisted reproductive technologies; and the connections between maternal activism and feminism.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM311. Gender, Race, and Work. 3 Credits.

Integration of perspectives and materials from a variety of disciplines to explore the experience of working women in the United States. Topics include: historical accounts; effects of the family, political system and economic structure on women's work; and alternatives for meaningful work.

Attributes:

  • Effective Expression/Written
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE3: USST
  • GE4: United States Studies

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

WOM313. Women and Drugs. 3 Credits.

Examines historical, cultural, political, and economic contexts of women's drug use in the United States. Analyzes effects of racism, sexism, and classism on perceptions of women's drug use. Special focus on health, legal, and moral issues.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM314. Violence Against Women. 3 Credits.

An examination of violence against women in contemporary culture: rape, battery, sexual abuse and violence in the media.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM315. Queer Women. 3 Credits.

A study of women who choose to build lives with other women. Includes both a historical survey and an analysis of issues facing lesbians in contemporary society.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • Effective Expression/Written
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM316. Hst Women In US To 1880. 3 Credits.

A survey of the history of women from 1620-1880, examining changes in women's private and public lives with attention to the differences among women of varying regional, racial and economic backgrounds.

Attributes:

  • Effective Expression/Written
  • Ethical Reflection
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE3: USST
  • GE4: United States Studies

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM318. Women Love and Sex. 3 Credits.

This course is an interdisciplinary examination of beliefs about love and sex in the Western philosophical tradition. It will also include a discussion of past and present feminist critiques of prevailing ideas about love and sex.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:


* May be taken at the same time
May not be repeated for credit

WOM319. Feminist Art and Subculture. 3 Credits.

A survey of major aesthetic and political feminist subcultures, throughout the Americas, from the World War II era to present day.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM320. Reproductive Law and Policy. 3 Credits.

A survey of attitudes toward human reproduction in the United States from the colonial period to the present and an examination of the ways these attitudes have become manifest in legislation and regulation.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM321. Feminist Methods. 3 Credits.

An overview of feminist methodological issues, dilemmas, and debates; an introduction to a variety of qualitative and quantitative research techniques and methods; and guided instruction on designing a project and writing a research proposal.

Attributes:

  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:


* May be taken at the same time
May not be repeated for credit

WOM322. Masculinities. 3 Credits.

Examines how masculinities are constructed and represented culturally, socially, and institutionally; how race, class, gender, sexuality, age, ability, and nationality inflect understandings of masculinity; how masculinities may reproduce or challenge inequalities.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM324. Gender and Sexuality in Hip Hop. 3 Credits.

Students explore Hip Hop Culture’s history, aesthetics, and politics, particularly in relation to gender and sexuality, from an intersectional feminist perspective.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
May not be repeated for credit

WOM325. Women and Popular Culture. 3 Credits.

Takes a cultural studies approach to various feminist analyses of representations of women in popular culture and their relationship to power, both social and mythic.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM330. Intro to Queer Studies. 3 Credits.

Examines the history, politics, theories, cultures, and communities of those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, gay, transsexual, transgender, intersex, and queer. Analyzes theoretical arguments and themes within interdisciplinary Queer Studies, historically and currently.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM335. Performing Feminism. 3 Credits.

In this course, with an eye toward transnational and intersectional enactments, students will survey the performance of feminism from the (post) Civil Rights era to present day in the visual arts, politics, popular culture, and everyday life.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM340. Transnational Feminism. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary exploration of transnational and global feminisms with attention to global women's activism, the impact of globalization on women's movements, Global North/Sourth conflicts and solidarities, and the development of gendered human right approaches.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM345. Women and Anger. 3 Credits.

Through an examination of psychological and philosophical literature on anger and female development we consider foundations of the relationship between women and anger which continue to influence girls and women in both their personal and politcal relationships. We investigate the ways in which anger can be expressed destructively and constructively and the political dimension of anger as a catalyst for personal and social change.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM350. Native American Feminisms. 3 Credits.

The course investigates Native American feminist theories as articulated by Indigenous women. Readings and assignments invite students to consider the gendered aspects of settler colonialism, uses of colonial violence to enforce heteropatriarchy, and contributions of Native feminist thinkers.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM352. Feminist Perspectives on Decolonization. 3 Credits.

Explores the material and epistemic legacies of colonialism in different regions of the world using post-colonial, decolonial, and Indigenous feminist frameworks that center gender, sexuality, race, nation, and class struggle.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

WOM353. Latina Feminisms. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary course that examines the multiple ways that Latina/xs of various ethnic and racial backgrounds engage, create, define, challenge, and utilize feminism and feminist movement.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM393. Selected Topics. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

WOM399. Modular Course. 1-6 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

WOM415. Women and Health. 3 Credits.

Women's health issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. History and structure of the medical establishment as it affects women consumers. Designed for lay persons, this course will increase understanding of women and health care and foster informed decision-making.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM420. Practicum in WGSS. 3 Credits.

Work in an organization or action project that serves or advocates for women. Participate in a seminar that analyzes various approaches to improving women's lives and integrates feminist theory and practice.

Attributes:

  • Practicum - Non-Clinical
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Women's Studies (590)
    • Women's
    • Gender & Sexuality St (591)
May not be repeated for credit

WOM421. Feminist Theory. 4 Credits.

A critical examination of various theoretical frameworks for understanding women's lives and their relationship to feminist social change.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

WOM423. Feminism in the U.S.. 3 Credits.

An historical and theoretical analysis of various approaches to improving the status of women in the United States. The course examines recurrent themes in feminist theory and practice and traces the changes in feminist approaches from the l8th century to the present.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

WOM430. Women in the Caribbean. 3 Credits.

History of Caribbean women in the context of slavery and colonialism, examination of Caribbean feminist persepctives and the impact of race, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, language, sexuality, and globalization in forming contemporary Caribbean women's identities.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

WOM490. Senior Seminar in WGSS. 4 Credits.

A critical, interdisciplinary approach to advanced topics in Women's Studies. The focus of the course will vary year to year. Students will work on a major research project of their choice. Open only to Women's Studies majors.

Attributes:

  • Research
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Women's Studies (590)
    • Women's
    • Gender & Sexuality St (591)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

WOM493. Selected Topics. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

WOM494. Fieldwork In Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. 1-15 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

WOM495. Indep Study Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. 1-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

WOM499. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

Faculty

Bryant, Karl
Associate Professor, Sociology and WGSS, and Chair
Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Office: JFT 214A
Phone: (845) 257-3035
E-mail: bryantk@newpaltz.edu

Leigh Dodson
Lecturer
Ph.D., University of California
Office: FOB W11
Phone: (845) 257-2905
E-mail: dodsonl@newpaltz.edu

Hewett, Heather
Associate Professor, WGSS; Affiliate, Department of English
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison
Office: 
Phone: (845) 257-2808
E-mail: hewetth@newpaltz.edu

Pabón, Jessica
Associate Professor, WGSS
Ph.D., New York University
Office: JFT 216
Phone: (845) 257-2979
E-mail: pabonj@newpaltz.edu