An introduction to issues that arise when women's lives and gender roles become the focus of critical inquiry. How do different societies and academic disciplines define women? How do women's experiences vary in relation to factors such as race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, age and nationality? How have women resisted, adapted to, and transformed "women's space" in the United States and elsewhere?
3 hr./wk.
This course is designed to develop a cross-cultural understanding of gender relations as historical practices of inequality. Students discuss the ways in which dominant definitions of gender roles and relations emerge in different societies at different historical moments, using findings of various interdisciplinary inquiries, such as history, psychology, sociology and fiction. Questions to be explored aim to move the learner beyond essentialism that takes sexual identity for granted. Also considered are cultural consequences of biological differences and sexual stereotypes in the media. A large portion of the class is devoted to historical and geographical survey of complex dynamics of gender relations, multiplicity of ideas about the roles that men and women perform, and values associated with these activities in various cultural settings. The dynamics of gender relations will be examined to see how gender is socially constructed and what the constraints of such constructions are on both women and men, in terms of legal positions, education, professional opportunities, family and ethnicity.
4hr/wk
The student will pursue a program of independent study under the direction of a member of the program with the approval of the Program Director.
1-4 hr./wk.
Topics not covered in the usual program offerings. Topics will vary from semester to semester depending upon student and instructor interest. Credits and hours will be determined by the instructor and the program.
1-4 hr./wk.
This course will provide a framework for understanding Latinas as a diverse group of women that may share a common heritage from Spain, Africa, and/or Indigenous Nations, but with a particular heritage from their countries, which distinguishes them from each other. The experiences of Latinas will be examined in terms of how their migratory historical, cultural, psycho-social, political and economic experiences shape their everyday lives in NYC. Further, attention will be given to the changing role of women and men as well as the impact of class, race and gender.
4hr/wk
This course provides an overall historical context for women as entrepreneurs and recognizes ethnic, racial, religious and socio-economic diversity of women entrepreneurs.
Our definition of who is an entrepreneur continues to change and what skills will be needed to make an impact. In the past entrepreneurs were seen as lone visionaries; today, teams, divisions and large enterprises are striving to be more entrepreneurial.
Connecting theory with practice, we infuse entrepreneurship throughout this curricular while asking how gender difference impacts the experiences of women entrepreneurs versus their male counterparts. Discussions will include raising capital, developing a viable business model and product, strategies to grow a company, leadership skills, startup successes and failures will be studied to glean lessons learned and innovation. This course will explore how women are positioned to create more businesses, jobs and stimulate the economy. The course is to provide participants with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed in order to assess, determine feasibility of, and launch and grow new businesses or reinvigorate existing businesses. This is the place where education and imagination meet, spurring the creation of innovative companies.
ECO 10100 or
ENGR 10100 or Zahn Innovation Center pre-approval
3 hr./wk.
This course examines political writing in the context of students’ project development.
Open to Beyond Identity Students Only
3 hr./wk.