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Introduction to Women's Studies

Artwork, Butterfly and WomanArtwork by Sharon Bronzan

The Women’s Studies Program introduces the past and present achievements and experiences of women from an interdisciplinary and global perspective. The program explores the decisive role that gender has played and continues to play in human societies and contributes to an understanding of women’s lives. Knowledge derived from women’s studies courses will enable people to analyze current problems that women face in the areas of employment, the family, domestic violence, health and the legal system. Since women comprise more than half of the world’s population, an understanding of their experiences, history, needs and abilities is an asset to students considering careers in such fi elds as education, social service, government, business, law, the ministry, journalism, health occupations and childcare.

Requirements

Students will complete a 12-unit program of study that includes:

  • The core course: WS 101, Introduction to Women's Studies (3 cr.)

Nine additional credits can chosen from the courses listed below:

  • Art 210 -- Women in Art (3 cr.)
  • Anthropology 299 -- Women, Gender and Culture (3 cr.)
  • English 222 -- Images of Women in Literature (3 cr.)
  • English 260 -- Introduction to Women Writers (3 cr.)
  • History 204, 205, 206 -- History of Women in the U.S. (3 cr. each)
  • History 225 -- History of Women, Sex and the Family (3 cr.)
  • Psychology 231, 232 -- Human Sexuality (3 cr. each)
  • Sociology 218 -- Sociology of Gender (3 cr.)
  • Speech 237 -- Gender and Communication (3 cr.)
  • Health Education 212 -- Women's Health (3 cr.)
  • Economics 216 -- Labor Markets: Economics of Gender and Work
  • WS 201 -- Women of the World (3 cr.)
  • WS 202 -- Women Working for Change (3 cr.)

* In addition to the courses listed above, Special Topic courses may fulfill certificate requirements.

All women's studies courses meet AAOT (Associate of Arts, Oregon Transfer Degree) requirements. Also, women's studies courses satisfy general education and diversity requirements. Introduction to Women's Studies (WS 101) may be taken for either arts and humanities credit, or social science credit.

The Women's Studies Award Program at PCC prepares students for entry into other Women's Studies Certificate programs at the bachelor's degree level. In Oregon these programs can be found at Portland State University, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Lewis and Clark College.

Visit the online class schedules for current course offerings.

Locations

Cascade Campus
Student Center 211
503-978-5251

Sylvania Campus
Social Science 215
503-977-4289

Rock Creek Campus
Building 3/201
503-614-7248