What is women's studies?

Here’s how some students, who took WS 200: Introduction to women’s studies, answered the question.

“To me women’s studies is looking at the past, present and future issues that women face. It is trying to understand the differences and similarities between men and women and how they affect the way we live our lives. It is about understanding why women are held in lower positions in society and finding ways to bring equality to all women as well as men.”

“Women’s studies is an evaluation of how women see the world as well as how the world sees women. It is an inclusive discussion about how women have come to be what they are and how they will change into what they will become.”

“Women’s studies is a course that challenges the traditional ways of thinking in our society. It serves to educate students about important issues to women that are often overlooked by American society as a whole. It also gives a certain amount of empowerment to female students, as they come to a deeper recognition of what women have achieved in the past and what they are capable of today. To me, women’s studies offers a unique way of viewing the world which has allowed me to broaden by horizons and become more open minded.”

“Women’s studies is what life looks like through a woman’s eyes.”

“Women's studies is an in-depth look at women’s lives, their experiences, difficulties, stories, and lives. Women learn from other women in these classes and men can come to a better understanding of women.”

“It is the study of how women are perceived by society and how that perception came about, from how women perceive other women to how men perceive women today.”

“Women's studies is an amazingly broad subject matter. In that subject matter is the definition of feminism which is for women to have the same opportunities as men. Additionally, women’s studies investigates the varieties of experiences women of different cultures have.”

“Women's studies is designed to focus primarily on women’s achievements, their history, successes, similarities and differences between women of all classes and cultures. I believe women's studies is a way to celebrate women and understand the female perspective taking into account the stereotypes and assumptions about women. This course (WS 200) has allowed me to study the female struggle, hear their voices and recognize the difficulties and struggles women have faced and are still facing.”

“To me, women’s studies means studying women and their perspectives through their eyes. This includes studying different races and cultures, and their accomplishments and setbacks.”

“Women’s studies is the exploration of the female gender and female sex as they related to the male gender and male sex, and how they relate to other females. Basically, women’s studies is the female part of the world’s dynamic.”

"Women’s studies is an in depth look at how everything effects the lives of women. This can range from why women chose their occupations to how they vote.”

“Women’s studies is a collection of shared information by women and for everyone. It is the concealed “truth” regarding women’s lives, history and being.”