Women's and Gender Studies

Faculty List

Undergraduate Advisor: 416-287-7184  Email: wst-undergrad-advisor@utsc.utoronto.ca

Women's and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the development, transmission, and transformation of ideas and attitudes about women and gender across different historical periods, societies, and cultures. The program integrates theory and practice by introducing students to scholarship from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives and challenging them to work for change and equality in their communities and in their daily lives.

Women's and Gender Studies courses emphasize experiential learning and invite students to consider topics such as women's roles in society, history, philosophy, and religion; gender and the media; women and work; gender, race, colonialism and class; international development; gender and sexuality; women and politics; women and literature; gender and language; women and social change; women and the family; and gender and the arts.

The Women's and Gender Studies program at U of T Scarborough benefits greatly from interdisciplinary interests across the humanities while also reaching further across disciplinary boundaries through its strong affiliation with the social sciences at UTSC. Students will develop critical and analytic skills as thinkers, writers, and communicators for multiple workplace and community environments. The program at UTSC also emphasizes the diversity of women's lives and experiences globally, particularly in relation to differences in race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, and disability; the diversity of our student body greatly enriches our consideration of these issues.

A degree including Women's and Gender Studies will enable students to assess how women's roles across disciplines impact our understanding of society and history and our actions, past and present, within local and global communities. Students preparing for a career in education, research, business, administration, government, law, journalism, social work, equity issues, or activism are encouraged to consider enrolling in a Women's and Gender Studies program. The program is enhanced by the affiliation of faculty from multiple disciplines at UTSC and draws students from a range of departments. 

Guidelines for 1st year course selection
Students who intend to complete a Women's and Gender Studies program must first take WSTA01H3 and WSTA03H3 in their 1st year before proceeding to the upper level courses. Students are reminded that degree credit can only be granted for introductory courses when they are taken before upper-level courses for which there are specific prerequisites, otherwise these courses will be marked as 'extra' and the grade will not be included in the student's grade point average nor does the course count towards the degree.

For updates and detailed information regarding Women's and Gender Studies, please visit the Historical and Cultural Studies website at: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~humdiv/prg_wa.html

Women's and Gender Studies Programs

MAJOR PROGRAM IN WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES (ARTS)

Undergraduate Advisor: 416-287-7184 Email: wst-undergrad-advisor@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements
Students must complete seven full credits as follows:

1. WSTA01H3 Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies
   and
   WSTA03H3 Introduction to Theories of Feminism
2. WSTB05H3 Methods of Research and Inquiry in Women’s and Gender Studies
3. WSTB11H3 Intersections of Inequality
4. WSTC02H3 Research in the Community: Field Experience
5. WSTD01H3 Senior Project in Women's and Gender Studies
   or WSTD03H3 Senior Seminar in Sex, Gender and the Body
   or WSTD04H3 Senior Seminar in Gender, Equity and Human Rights
   or One D-level elective cross-listed with WST, with the approval of the program supervisor
6. One further credit in WST
7. 3.0 credits from the list below of which at least 1.0 must be at the C- or D-level. (Students should check course descriptions for prerequisites.):
   Note: Not all courses in #7 are offered every year. Check the website: http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~hcs/programs/women-gender-studies.html.  Courses have been organized into three thematic clusters to assist students in planning - there is no program requirement related to the clusters.
   
   Cluster #1: Health, Sexualities, and the Gendered Body
   ANTC15H3 Genders and Sexualities
   ANTD01H3 The Body in Culture and Society
   ENGC76H3/(VPAC47H3) The Body in Modernity: Theories and Representations
   ENGC77H3/(VPAC48H3) The Body in Contemporary Culture: Theories and Representations
   GGRD10H3 Health and Sexuality
   HLTC02H3 Women and Health: Past and Present
   PSYD18H3 Psychology of Gender
   PSYD22H3 Socialization Processes
   WSTB12H3 Women, Violence and Resistance
   
   Cluster #2: Representations and Constructions of Women and Gender
   ENGB50H3 Women and Literature: Forging a Tradition
   ENGB51H3 Gender and Genre
   ENGC34H3 Early Modern Women and Literature: 1500-1700
   ENGC51H3 Contemporary Arab Women Writers
   ENGD80H3 Women and Canadian Writing
   LINC28H3 Language and Gender
   PHLB13H3 Philosophy and Feminism
   PSYD18H3 Psychology of Gender
   SOCB22H3 Sociology of Gender
   SOCC08H3 Gender and Information Technology
   VPHB57H3 Women in the Arts: Hot Mamas, Amazons, and Madonnas
   VPMC83H3 Music and Gender
   WSTB13H3 Gender, Media and Culture
   WSTC12H3 Writing the Self: Global Women's Autobiographies
   WSTC16H3 Criminal Women: Gender, Justice and the Media
   WSTC22H3 Women and Film
   
   Cluster #3: Gender, Equity, and Human Rights
   GASB20H3 Gender and Social Institutions in Asia
   MGHC23H3/(MGTC23H3) Diversity in the Workplace
   POLC94H3 Globalization, Gender and Development
   SOCC09H3 Sociology of Gender and Work
   SOCC10H3 Gendered Selves, Gendered Lives and Inequalities
   SOCC38H3 Gender and Education
   WSTB10H3 Women, Power and Protest
   WSTC14H3 Women, Community and Policy Change
   
   Cluster #4: Gender, Local and Global Communities, and Diaspora
   ANTC14H3 Feminism and Anthropology
   GASC20H3 Gendering Global Asia
   GASD20H3 Senior Seminar: Social Change and Gender Relations in Chinese Societies
   GGRD09H3 Feminist Geographies
   HISC45H3 Immigrant and Race Relations in Canadian History
   HISD30H3 Gendering America
   HISD46H3 Selected Topics in Canadian Women's History
   HISD56H3 'Coolies' and Others: Asian Labouring Diasporas in the British Empire
   (SOCB48H3) Family and Society
   SOCB49H3 Sociology of Family
   SOCC24H3 Changing Family Life in Canada
   SOCC29H3 Special Topics in Sociology of Family
   (WSTB15H3) Women in the Cyberspace: Transnational Feminist Networks and Activism
   WSTC10H3 Women and Development
   WSTC11H3 Applied Studies in Women and Development
   WSTC13H3 Women, Gender and Islam
   WSTC19H3 Gender in East Asian Science and Technology
   WSTC20H3 Women and Environments
   WSTC21H3 Gender, Health, Science in Transnational Perspective
   
   Note: Not all courses in Requirement #6 or #7 are offered every year.

MINOR PROGRAM IN WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES (ARTS)

Undergraduate Advisor: 416-287-7184  Email: wst-undergrad-advisor@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements
Students must complete four full credits as follows:

1. WSTA01H3 Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies
   and
   WSTA03H3 Introduction to Theories of Feminism
2. WSTB05H3 Methods of Research and Inquiry in Women's and Gender Studies
3. WSTB11H3 Intersections of Inequality
4. Two further credits in Women's and Gender Studies at the B, C, or D-level and/or from the list of courses in requirement #7 of the Major Program; at least one of these credits must be at the C or D-level.

Women's and Gender Studies Courses

WSTA01H3    Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies

An introduction to the study of women around the world from an interdisciplinary perspective. Issues to be addressed will include: women's diversity locally and globally, patriarchal foundations, the dynamics of socialization, and the transmission and perpetuation of images of women.
Exclusion: (NEW160Y), WGS160Y
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTA03H3    Introduction to Theories of Feminism

An introduction to feminist theories with a focus on the diverse, multidisciplinary and multicultural expressions of feminist thought. An overview of the major themes, concepts and terminologies in feminist thinking and an exploration of their meanings.
Exclusion: (NEW160Y), WGS160Y, WGS200Y
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies

WSTB05H3    Methods of Research and Inquiry in Women’s and Gender Studies

Various methods of research and data collection in Women’s and Gender Studies with an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspective will be examined.  Issues of ‘knowledge’ and interpretation will be explored as will fundamentals of conducting research. There is an experiential learning component to the course.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTB10H3    Women, Power and Protest

An examination of local and global movements for change, past and current, which address issues concerning women.
This course will survey initiatives from the individual and community to the national and international levels to bring about change for women in a variety of spheres.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 or WSTA03H3
Exclusion: (WSTA02H3)
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTB11H3    Intersections of Inequality

An overview of the complex interactions among race, class, gender and sexuality in traditional and modern societies.  Drawing on both historical and contemporary patterns in diverse societies, the course offers feminist perspectives on the ways in which race, class, gender, and sexual orientation have shaped the lives of women and men.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTB12H3    Women, Violence and Resistance

An analysis of violence against women and recent forms of resistance to violence.  A historical, cultural, and structural approach to studying gender-based violence. Family, state, economic and ideological aspects will be addressed.  Initiatives toward making communities safer, including strategies for prevention and education will be examined.   
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3) or WSTB05H3 or WSTB11H3 or one half credit from the list provided in #7 in the Major Program].
Exclusion: (NEW373H), WGS373H
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTB13H3    Gender, Media and Culture

An interdisciplinary approach to feminist critiques of the media. Gendered representation will be examined in media such as film, television, video, newspapers, magazines and on-line technologies. Students will also develop a perspective on women's participation in, and contributions toward, the various media industries.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 or [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]
Exclusion: (NEW271Y), WGS271Y
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies

WSTC02H3    Research in the Community: Field Experience

Students will design and conduct a qualitative research project in the community on an issue of their choice related to women and gender.  Field work is the basis of this course. It will also include an overview of the various phases of carrying out research: planning the research project, choosing appropriate methods for data collection, analyzing the data and reporting the results.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 & WSTA03H3 & WSTB05H3 & 1.5 full credits taken from the courses listed in #3 and #7 in the Major Program
Exclusion: (WSTD02H3)
Enrolment Limits: 15
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTC10H3    Women and Development

How development affects, and is affected by, women around the world. Topics may include labour and economic issues, food production, the effects of technological change, women organizing for change, and feminist critiques of traditional development models.
Prerequisite: [WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]] or IDSB01H3 or IDSB02H3
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTC11H3    Applied Study in Women and Development

An examination of a critical problem within the global context as it affects women in their communities.  The class as a whole will determine the issue under consideration.
Prerequisite: WSTC10H3
Exclusion: (WSTC10Y3)
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTC12H3    Writing the Self: Global Women's Autobiographies

An exploration of the ways in which women from different countries construct the gendered subject in their representations of childhood, sexuality, work, maternity and illness. Texts will be read in English and an emphasis will be place on the cultural contexts of gender, ethnicity and class.
Prerequisite: ENGB50H3 or [WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)] & any ENG or FRE literature course]].
Recommended Preparation: WSTB13H3
Enrolment Limits: 50
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

WSTC13H3    Women, Gender and Islam

Explores historical and contemporary debates regarding the construction of gender in Islam. Topics include the historical representations of Muslim woman, veiling, sexuality, Islamic law and Islamic feminism. This course situates Muslim women as multidimensional actors as opposed to the static, Orientalist images that have gained currency in the post 9/11 era.
Prerequisite: [WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]]
Exclusion: WSTC30H3 (if taken in the 2008 Winter Session)
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies

WSTC14H3    Women, Community and Policy Change

An examination of the impact of social policy on women's lives, from a historical perspective. The course will survey discriminatory practices in social policy as they affect women and immigration, health care, welfare, and the workplace. Topics may include maternity leave, sexual harassment, family benefits, divorce, and human rights policies.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies

WSTC16H3    Criminal Women: Gender, Justice and the Media

Examining popular media and history students will investigate themes of criminality, gender and violence in relation to the social construction of justice. Some criminal cases involving female defendants will also be analyzed to examine historical issues and social contexts. Debates in feminist theory and criminology will be discussed.
Prerequisite: [WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]] or 1.0 full credit in Sociology
Recommended Preparation: WSTB13H3
Enrolment Limits: 40
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies

WSTC19H3    Gender in East Asian Science and Technology

This course examines how gender issues influence the history and contemporary development of science and technology in East Asian societies, including China, Japan, and Korea. Students will gain a critical perspective on the role of gender in shaping scientific knowledge and technological advancements in the context of East Asia.
Same as IEEC32H3 and GASC19H3
Prerequisite: 0.5 credit in WST and 0.5 credit in GAS at the A- or B-level.
Exclusion: IEEC32H3, GASC19H3
Enrolment Limits: 50
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTC20H3    Women and Environments

An examination of the impact the environment has on women's lives around the world. Current and historical perspectives. Topics will include: the impact of environmental degradation on women's bodies; planning for safer places; global sustainable development; ecofeminism; the gender division of spaces.
Prerequisite: 1.5 credits in WST, 1.0 credits of which must be at the B- and/or C-level.
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTC21H3    Gender, Health, Science in Transnational Perspective

This course provides an advanced introduction to feminist scholarship on science, health, and technology. It examines a history and culture of modern scientific research, health practice, and technologies in western and non-western societies. 
Same as IEEC31H3
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 or WSTA03H3 and 4.5 additional credits in any discipline
Exclusion: IEEC31H3
Recommended Preparation: [WSTA01H3 & WSTA03H3] or [GASA01H3 & GASA02H3] or (GASB01H3)
Enrolment Limits: 50
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies

WSTC22H3    Women and Film

This course examines narrative, documentary and experimental films by a selection of global women directors from a social, critical and historical perspective. We will analyse the filmic representations of race, class, gender and sexual orientation, and explore how cinema made by women can challenge or perpetuate notions of gender.
Prerequisite: Any 5 credits, including [WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]] or [any ENG, FRE or GAS cinema class]
Recommended Preparation: WSTB13H3
Enrolment Limits: 50
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies

WSTC23H3    Community Engagement Practicum

An opportunity for students in the Major and Minor programs in Women’s and Gender Studies to apply theoretical knowledge related to women and gender to practical community experience through an unpaid practicum placement in a community, educational or social organization.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 and [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)] and WSTB05H3 and WSTB11H3 and WSTC02H3
Enrolment Limits: 8
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTC28H3    Language and Gender

An introduction to the research on differences between women and men in how they use language and how they behave in conversational interaction, together with an examination of the role of language in reflecting and perpetuating cultural attitudes towards gender. 
Same as LINC28H3
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 or WSTA03H3, and one full credit at the B-level in ANT, LIN, SOC or WST
Exclusion: JAL355H, LINC28H3
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

WSTC30H3    Selected Topics in Women's/Gender Studies

An examination of a current topic relevant to women and gender studies. Students will have the opportunity to explore recent scholarship in a specific content area which will vary from year to year. Participation in a related project/practicum in the community may be incorporated into the course.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]
NOTE: Topics vary from year to year. Check the website www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~hcs/programs/women-gender-studies.html for current offerings.

WSTC31H3    Selected Topics in Women's/Gender Studies

An examination of a current topic relevant to women's and gender studies.
Students will have the opportunity to explore recent scholarship in a specific content area which will vary from year to year. Participation in a related project/practicum in the community may be incorporated into the course.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)]
NOTE: Topics vary from year to year. Check the website www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~hcs/programs/women-gender-studies.html for current offerings.

WSTC32H3    Selected Topics in Women's/Gender Studies

An examination of a current topic relevant to women's and gender studies. Students will have the opportunity to explore recent scholarship in a specific content area which will vary from year to year. Participation in a related project/practicum in the community may be incorporated into the course.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)].
NOTE: Topics vary from year to year. Check the website www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~hcs/programs/women-gender-studies.html for current offerings.

WSTD01H3    Senior Project in Women's and Gender Studies

An opportunity to undertake an in-depth research topic under the supervision of a Women's and Gender Studies faculty member.
A substantial essay/project on the approved topic will have two evaluators - the course coordinator and the supervising faculty member.
This course is only open to Women's and Gender Studies Major program students with a strong record who are completing the last 5 credits of their degree. A proposal must be presented for approval to the course coordinator in the term prior to the start of the course.
Prerequisite: At least 12.0 full credits including WSTA01H3 & [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)] & WSTB05H3 & 1.5 full credits taken from the courses listed in #3 and #7 in the Major Program.

WSTD03H3    Senior Seminar in Sex, Gender and the Body

An advanced and in-depth examination of selected topics related to health, sexualities, the gendered body, and the representations and constructions of women and gender. The course will be in a seminar format with student participation expected. It is writing intensive and involves a major research project.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 and [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)] and WSTB11H3; and two C-level courses from Requirement #7 of the Major Program.
Enrolment Limits: 20
NOTE: Topics vary from year to year. Check the Women's and Gender Studies website at http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~hcs/programs/women-gender-studies.html for current offerings.

WSTD04H3    Senior Seminar in Gender, Equity and Human Rights

An advanced and in-depth examination of selected topics related to women and gender, equity, diversity and human rights in the context of local and global communities, and diaspora. The course will be in a seminar format with student participation expected. It is writing intensive and involves a major research project.
Prerequisite: WSTA01H3 and [WSTA03H3 or (WSTA02H3)] and WSTB11H3; and two C-level courses from Requirement #7 of the Major program.
Enrolment Limits: 20
NOTE: Topics vary from year to year. Check the Women's and Gender Studies website at http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~hcs/programs/women-gender-studies.html for current offerings.

WSTD07H3    Themes in the History of Childhood and Culture

A comparative  analysis of transnational histories and cultural and gendered ideologies of children and childhood through case studies of foundlings in Italy, factory children in England, orphans and adoption in the American West, labouring children in Canada and Australia, mixed-race children in British India.
Same as HISD07H3
Prerequisite: At least 2 C-level courses in History and/or Women's and Gender Studies.
Exclusion: HISD07H3
Enrolment Limits: 15
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies