Women's studies is an interdisciplinary academic field devoted to topics concerning women, feminism, gender, and politics. It often includes feminist theory, women's history (eg history of women's suffrage) and social history, women's literature, women's health, and the feminist and gender studies-influenced practice of most of the humanities and social sciences.

History

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"Women's studies" was first conceived as an academic rubric apart from other departments in the late 1960s, as the second wave of feminism gained political influence in the academy through student and faculty activism. As an academic discipline, it was modeled on the American studies and ethnic studies (such as Afro-American studies) and Chicano Studies programs that had arisen shortly before it. The first Women's Studies Program in the United States was established on May 21, 1970 at San Diego State College after a year of intense organizing (women's consciousness raising groups, rallies, petition circulating, and operating unofficial or experimental classes and presentations before seven committees and assemblies). Carol Rowell Council was the student co-founder along with Dr. Joyce Nower, a literature instructor. In the 1970s many universities and colleges created departments and programs in women's studies, and professorships became available in the field which did not require the sponsorship of other departments.

Controversy

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Women's studies has caused a great deal of debate. Advocates argue that it helps bring to light issues that were otherwise missing in the university. Critics charge that the courses tend towards misandry and indoctrination, while limiting space for dissenting opinions. It is also sometimes regarded as a quasi-intellectual field of study by academics involved in traditional disciplines, men and women alike. Specific criticisms focus around the work done in the field which critics allege is unscholarly and the peculiarities of many of the specific professors (See Mary Daly and Catharine MacKinnon).

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dropped my women's studies course.. I hope it was a good idea. It was just causing a lot of stress and I knew I wasn't going to major in it
emilym179 (Emily McMullen) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:44:57 -0000
dropped my women's studies course.. I hope it was a good idea. It was just causing a lot of stress and I knew I wasn't going to major in it
@hipstermusings it's an intro to women's studies, in french - femmes savoirs et societes, i think its called.
annabananafish (AFitz) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:58:45 -0000
@hipstermusings it's an intro to women's studies, in french - femmes savoirs et societes, i think its called.
@stella_starr You're taking 2 classes I have this semester! I finally fit a women's studies class in my schedule so I'm pleased. :)
rachel_snook (Rachel Snook) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:16:17 -0000
@stella_starr You're taking 2 classes I have this semester! I finally fit a women's studies class in my schedule so I'm pleased. :)
Conference on gender and innovation (IP meets women's studies). http://bit.ly/JUYUL
rcalo (Ryan Calo) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:45:21 -0000
Conference on gender and innovation (IP meets women's studies). http://bit.ly/JUYUL
Area women's group studies DVD series http://bit.ly/2wpMSR
DailyAstorian (The Daily Astorian) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:00:45 -0000
Area women's group studies DVD series http://bit.ly/2wpMSR
Our Women's Studies Council meeting this afternoon was a great success. Thanks to all who attended! http://bit.ly/1iI5dV
apsufmla (APSU FMLA) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:04:12 -0000
Our Women's Studies Council meeting this afternoon was a great success. Thanks to all who attended! http://bit.ly/1iI5dV

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