In big classrooms, students may begin to feel like a number.

But this spring, some will be able to share ideas in a small, relaxed and personal setting.

Kathryn Hood, associate professor of human development and family studies and women's studies, designed and teaches Human Development and Family Studies/Women's Studies 405 -- Gender and Social Development. Hood previously taught the class as Human Development and Family Studies/Women's Studies 497, a number given to courses that are not formal classes.

The class was approved by the departments after the schedule book was printed --the reason it is not listed, Hood said.

Class size is limited to 30 students so they will be able to try out their ideas in a supportive atmosphere, she said. "One of the goals of feminist pedagogy is to have discussion," Hood said.

Class member Kristin Calder (senior-leisure studies) said she was interested in other students' views versus her own. The class will discuss readings from the four required texts on feminist theory and social psychology in addition to a novel and biography.

Calder added that though she is in a class with many feminists, she doesn't consider herself one. But she hopes to become more aware.

Hood said the class will also discuss potentially controversial issues not usually discussed in other classes such as women's rights, sexual orientation and nonviolence.

She said she wants the class members to be able to question their own values and choices because of the array of opinions that will be debated while discussing issues.

"I want them to be confident that they can be flexible in their thinking and at the same time be confident in their commitment to their values," Hood said.

Lynne Goodstein, director of the women's studies program, said students will be exposed to feminist research that focuses on how women and men develop in society.

"It is a feminist course with a strong emphasis on scholarly rigor," Goodstein said. "I think that a course like this will give students theoretical knowledge and research to make some sense out of the patterns of our culture that are gender based."

Kathryn O Brien (junior-human development and family studies) said she was excited about the readings and the feminist perspectives they present on men and women.

Society has much to learn from the struggle of lesbians and women of color who could share new views on heterosexuality and the culture and poverty of women, Hood said.