What is Women's and Ethnic Studies?
The Women's and Ethnic Studies Program (WEST) was established in the spring of 2008 as an interdisciplinary course of studies with a major in Women's and Ethnic Studies, and two separate minors in Women's Studies and Ethnic Studies respectively. The Program evolved from existing programs in Women's Studies and Ethnic Studies. Both the WEST major and the Women's Studies and Ethnic Studies minors provide an intersectional perspective to the study of race, gender and other systems of oppression and privilege. The WEST Program and Women's Studies and Ethnic Studies minors also promote curricular and faculty development and sponsors a variety of cultural programming in collaboration with The Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity and Inclusion.
Mission Statement :
Our mission is to think critically about intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, nationality and other hierarchies; to understand history, culture and society from a range of perspectives, including those emanating from communities whose stories and lives have been marginalized; and to develop consciousness about multiethnic and gender issues locally, domestically, globally and transnationally. Ultimately, our vision is to develop skills to shape our collective future in ways that foster diversity and equity.
The Women’s and Ethnic Studies Program (WEST) is an interdisciplinary course of study that includes a major and minor. Both the major and minor center on the experiences and cultural expressions of women and/or racial and ethnic groups in the United States and globally. Our theoretical framework focuses on how race, gender, class, nationality, sexuality and other hierarchies influence people’s life chances and alliances. The WEST Program emphasizes analytical sophistication, cross-disciplinary thinking, creative and innovative teaching, and community engagement. WEST promotes curricular and faculty development and sponsors a variety of cultural programming in collaboration with the Multicultural Office for Student Access, Inclusiveness, and Community (MOSAIC), and the Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity and Inclusion. By teaching and modeling ways to work effectively with people from various socioeconomic classes, genders, racial/ethnic, religious, sexual, and national backgrounds, the degree prepares students for work in a range of fields (health care, social justice work, global education, creative and performing arts, education, etc.) and advanced masters and doctoral work in a variety of disciplines.
Learning Outcomes:
Interdisciplinary approach: understanding history, culture and society from a range of perspectives, including those emanating from communities whose stories and lives have been marginalized.
Scholarly sophistication: writing autobiographical, analytical, and research papers; creating artistic work; and expressing oneself with clarity and confidence.
Developing knowledge: becoming well versed in the rapidly increasing scholarship on women and racial/ethnic groups with special focus on transnational studies; literary and artistic achievements; historical, social, political and economic conditions; and families and communities.
Engaged teaching and learning: excelling in classes that allow students to claim an education that values their contributions, and that challenge and incite students’ intellectual imaginations.
Community: developing a sense of belonging to an intellectual field and community that is innovative, multiracial, and inclusive; learning to work with integrity and openness with people from diverse backgrounds; to build bridges across race, class, gender, sexuality, nationality, age, and religion and apply this knowledge to other disciplines and communities; and to see a link between theory and practice.
Social change: to develop skills to shape our collective future in ways that foster diversity and equity. To gain the preparation needed to earn graduate degrees and/or gain employment in WEST related fields, and to work with people from a range of backgrounds.