Core Faculty:

This major provides an opportunity to study the historical, political, economic, literary, social, and cultural roles of women and of the function of gender in diverse societies and cultures. The courses are coordinated by the Women’s Studies Center, and are open to women and men alike. This field of study explores bias throughout society- in the workplace, in school, and at home. Equal importance is given to the commitment to discover and teach ideas and knowledge about global concerns, nationality, race, ethnicity, class, age, and sexual orientation. Students may formulate a program of study consonant with their interests and goals. The major is an excellent preparation for graduate study in most fields and for careers in both the public and private sectors. A background in women’s studies develops critical skills and offers new knowledge to meet the challenges of alterations in society and of expanding opportunities.
  All students entering the major program in Spring 2004 will have to fulfill the requirements for the new core concentration. All students admitted as majors before the Spring 2004 semester will need to fulfill the old core concentration requirements.
  For further information and/or to seek academic advising for the women’s studies major, visit the Women’s Studies Center in DM-212 or call (305) 348-2408 or send email to: wstudies@fiu.edu. At Biscayne Bay Campus, students may inquire at ACI 318 or call (305)919-5859.  We welcome your inquiry.

Lower Division Preparation

To qualify for admission to the program, FIU undergraduates must have met all the lower division requirements including CLAST or its equivalent, completed 60 semester hours, and be otherwise acceptable into the program.

Upper Division Program

The major requires 30 hours of upper division coursework. Students who elect to major in women’s studies are required to declare a minor in another area of concentration (courses may overlap). Students who choose to declare a double major are exempt from the minor requirement. The major requires a core concentration of four courses and six electives for a total of 10 courses. Any core concentration course that is not taken for the core requirement may be taken as an elective. Refer to full course descriptions in the appropriate departmental listings of this catalog.

  All students entering the major in Fall 2000 or later must take one course in the major that develops computer competency and one that develops oral competency. Courses that fulfill these requirements will be noted in each semester’s Women’s Studies course flyer. These courses will constitute part of the 30-credit requirement, and they may be core courses or electives.
  Genre and topic courses are offered regularly and new courses are periodically added to the curriculum. The elective selection may include one course on ethnicity, class or race that is not specifically a women’s studies course. Student programs are coordinated with designated faculty advisors. The program also offers an academic certificate in women’s studies. For further information refer to the certificate page at the end of the College of Arts and Sciences section.

Upper Division Requirements
Core Concentration: (Four courses; twelve hours/one course from each of the following four categories)
I.

Electives in Women’s Studies
(Six courses: 18 hours; all are 3 credit hours)

Women’s Studies:

 
Labor Studies:

Definition of Prefixes
WST – Women’s Studies

WST 3015 Introduction to Women’s Studies (3).Considers the interdisciplinary study of women in today’s world. Focuses on women through the life course and examines the debates on women’s studies in the university.

WST 3641 Gay and Lesbian in the United States (3). An interdisciplinary examination of contemporary issues facing gays and lesbians in the United States. Topics include a review of significant events in the gay/lesbian movement; political and legal considerations; and social/cultural contributions.

WST 4504 Feminist Theory (3). This course explores how women are viewed theoretically across the social sciences and humanities. Topics such as multiculturism, cross-nationalism and post-modernism are addressed.

WST 4905 Independent Study (1-3). Supervised readings course designed for advanced students who wish to pursue specialized topics in women’s studies. Arrangements must be made with faculty member during prior semester. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

WST 4930 Special Topics (3). Selected topics in Women’s Studies. Subject of course varies with instructor. Prerequisites: One women’s studies course or permission of the instructor.

WST 4931 Women in Leadership (3). Examines the foundation for theoretical leadership models and provides a forum for students to examine their own leadership style. Corequisite: WST 3015.

WST 4940 Women’s Studies Internship (1-3). Supervised work experience in organization agency or business focused on women and/or girls. Prerequisites: One women’s studies course and permission of the director.

WST 5507 Feminist Theory (3). Theories, issues and major paradigms underlying feminist scholarship. Development of women’s studies as a discipline. Emphasis on multicultural approaches and perspectives. Prerequisites: One WST course or permission of the instructor.

WST 5905 Independent Study (1-6). Supervised readings course designed for advanced and graduate students who wish to pursue specialized topics in women’s studies. Arrangements must be made with faculty member during prior semester. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

WST 5935 Special Topics (3). Selected topics in women’s studies. Subject of course varies with instructor. Prerequisites: One women’s studies course or permission of the instructor.

WST 5936 Women in Leadership (3). Examines the foundation for theoretical leadership models and provides a forum for students to examine their own leadership style. Corequisite: WST 3015.

WST 5946 Women’s Studies Internship (1-3). Supervised work experience in organization, agency, or business focused on women and/or girls. Prerequisites: BA in women’s studies or other discipline and permission from the Women’s Studies director.