GWS 101: Gender & Women's Studies - Part I Courses - Undergraduate -Sociology at Lancaster University

GWS.101: Introduction to Gender & Women's Studies

Gender and Women's Studies 101 considers the kinds of power that women and men have developed, the forms of organisations and institutions in which they participate and the ways in which women have resisted marginalisation.

On the course we will introduce and explore crucial categories of difference and forms of inequality such as race, gender, class, disability and sexuality and we will explore how gender identities are constructed. The course also looks at the various ways gender is studied (and not studied) in academic fields and we make connections between academic work, women's movements and diversity activism more generally.

Course Aims

The aims of the Gender and Women's Studies Part I course are:

To consider the different ways in which men and women are located in society and culture

To explore their experiences, representations and identities

To explain the reasons for women’s exclusion from many positions of power as well as access to leadership roles.

The course also draws upon the work of feminist scholars, including those in the Centre for Gender and Women's Studies, across a range of disciplines in order to introduce you to a variety of perspectives within Gender and Women's Studies.

The approaches taken to the course are feminist, but it is important for you to understand that there are many feminisms. Do not expect any one single feminist viewpoint. This is your chance to explore and test a number of different perspectives and methodologies. After undertaking the Part I, you should have a general idea of what the area of 'Gender and Women's Studies' involves, and you should also have gained some understanding of issues in the Humanities and Social Sciences from various gendered perspectives.

Because the contributors to the course have been brought together by their personal interest in Gender Studies and feminist scholarship and politics, the usual disciplinary boundaries (between, for example, 'Humanities' and 'Social Sciences') have to a great extent been dissolved. The Part I course is therefore interdisciplinary, with a range of connecting themes in the broad areas of 'culture' and 'society'. Women's experiences and gender relations are immensely varied and hence this course cannot cover it all. Gender and Women's Studies Part I is a selection of representative case studies in some key areas. These have been chosen for their interest and importance and because we have experts at Lancaster to lecture on them.

If you would like to continue to study gender related issues in your second and third years then you can continue these studies by following our Gender Pathway in Part II.

To find out more please see the pathway options we offer here.

Director Dr Vicky Singleton says:

"Many of you come to Part I with no knowledge of Gender and Women's Studies, while others of you may have done some previous academic study in this area. We will teach you through lectures, seminars and group projects, led by scholars from a range of disciplines to introduce you to a variety of perspectives within Gender and Women's Studies. After undertaking the Part I, you will have a general idea of what the area of 'Gender and Women's Studies' involves, and will also have gained understanding of issues in the Humanities and Social Sciences from various gendered perspectives."

Key Facts

Length: 25 weeks

Course Structure: The course is divided into three blocks and taught over three terms via:

Lectures: Two, one-hour lectures per week
Seminars: One 50 minute seminar per week which will provide a link with lectures and group assignments
Independent learning:It is expected that you spend at least 10 hours of independent learning on GWS.101 per week. (Individual help can also be provided during your seminar tutor's office hours)

Assessment: Is from a combination of coursework and formal examinations and is weighted at 60% for coursework and 40% for the exam.

Admissions Contact: Sociology Admissions

Undergraduate Menu

GWS.101: Introduction to Gender & Women's Studies

Course Aims

Director Dr Vicky Singleton says:

Key Facts