WOMEN'S STUDIES
Philosophy of teaching and content of Women's Studies courses
University of Wisconsin-Superior

The following criteria apply to all Women's Studies courses:

These courses will:

Examine the social construction of gender roles and of power differences, and examine women's movement towards equality.

Examine issues and perspectives of diverse groups of women, such as women of color; working-class and poor women; women from nonwestern cultures; and lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered women. The examination will include the intersections of gender, class, and ethnicity.

Encourage the integration of multiple disciplines and the breaking down of arbitrary barriers between fields of study.

Examine relevant and recent feminist scholarship, theories, and controversies.

These courses should also:

Explore and use student-centered teaching methods that create an environment in which all members are learners; alternate forms of expertise are acknowledged; individuals are treated with respect; students are encouraged to participate in decision making and take responsibility for contributing to the class; women's experiences are valued; students' experiences outside the classroom are valued; and faculty take non-authoritarian postures.