Women's studies begins small, expands program

The women's studies program office originally fit inside two cardboard boxes that shifted hands between successive directors.

The program offered an undergraduate concentration consisting of pre-existing courses and one new course, Women's Studies 001 (Introduction to Women's Studies).

That was nearly 20 years ago.

Now the women's studies program dwells in a newly renovated office in Sparks Building, and offers an undergraduate major, an undergraduate minor and a graduate minor. More than 100 students are enrolled in the program and more than 1,500 students take a women's studies class each year, said Susan Bracken, undergraduate adviser for the program.

Women's studies classes are practical because they help people to see the world from a different perspective, said Nicole Kresch (senior-women's studies). Kresch said she took Women's Studies 423 (Rape and Sexual Violence), cross-listed in women's studies and administration of justice, which taught her how women can overcome a traumatic experience and continue with a healthy life.

- Nicole Kresch (senior-women's studies)

Founded in 1979, the interdisciplinary program stress critical thinking, intensive writing and group work, Bracken said. Statistically, Bracken added, about half of the women's studies majors are dual majors and three times as many undergraduates minor in the program than major in it.

Students enroll in the program for a variety of reasons, Bracken said. Some pursue careers as doctors or lawyers and want to focus on women's issues, she said. Others seek jobs in the field of social work, the media or public policy and can benefit from an understanding of how women are represented in their chosen field, she added.

Danielle Tarris (junior-women's studies) said she plans to continue with women's studies in graduate school, become a teacher and hopefully teach a feminist theory class.

Kresch said she would like to work for a nonprofit organization involved in stopping domestic violence against women.

Careers in teaching and social work are consistent with the program's emphasis on community involvement. The program offers campus events such as the Feminist Scholars Lecture Series and has recently spawned Women Advocates, a student organization devoted to feminist activism on campus.

Kresch, the co-organizer of Women Advocates, said many people have misconceptions about the field of women's studies.

"I feel that people think women's studies is a bunch of women bashing men and society, but that's not what it's all about," Kresch said. "It's more about striving for equality for all people regardless of age, sex, sexual preference, class or race."