Faculty of Arts

What Students are Saying

Students in WGS-1232-001 "Intro Women's & Gender Studies" (Fall 2011)

Being a science student the arts are typically viewed as an uncomfortable departure from my faculty of interest, but in Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies it is clear that - while sometimes challenging - the arts have so much more to offer than paper writing skills. A course like Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies allows you to change yourself in ways you never dreamed possible, and to truly grow, nurture, and challenge your mind.
Andrew

Introduction to WGS quickly became a safe place to voice experiences and opinions.  The course material was interesting and insightful, and encouraged great dialogue between members of the class.  I looked forward to this class every Wednesday morning and will miss it dearly.
Lacie, 1st year General Arts student, interested in Human Rights & Global Studies

I am a film major and I read the course description about Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies. I became interested and took it as an elective. Some topics or lectures on the issues affecting women were really an eye opener for me. I have been impressed by what I discovered from the lectures and discussions in this class, along with personal observation and lived experience. The way the course was organized throughout the entire academic year and the instructor, who was passionate about the topic, provided a positive learning experience.
Anonymous

I love this class! I've learned about diverse subjects in this introductory course. It has been quite interesting and engaging.
Jennifer

Although I took the Intro class because I had to for my degree and was not looking forward to it as I started in September, I was very surprised at the impact the course has had on me. I thoroughly enjoyed the course material and learnt a lot regarding inequalities between different genders that still exist in institutions and society as a whole. I would suggest this class to anyone as it gives you a different perspective on life and although you may not always agree just like I did not, it is great to see a different side of things!
Derrek

I enrolled in my Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies class with low expectations of a lot of touchy-feely conversation and uncomfortable discussion of even less comfortable issues. It was a prerequisite for a degree program, and I was determined to "get it over with". My attitude couldn't have been more off-the-mark. I was surprised and delighted to find myself in a room full of people committed to listening without judgment and speaking without fear. The class was structured in such a way so as to foster trust and openness amongst each of us (group activities and ample conversation) as we were lead to deconstruct and re-evaluate our understanding of ourselves and those around us.

From what I could tell, everyone unanimously agreed that our professor was phenomenal and genuinely invested in both her students and her field. The lecture-format teaching was complimented with films and guest speakers so as to expose us to a broader range of issues and provide variety in our lessons. 

The concepts I was introduced to have become lenses by which I can explore social phenomena and better recognize my own blind spots and prejudices. Furthermore, it has provided me with the language and familiarity with gender/social issues to help others address their own assumptions.

Without a doubt, this class has been an incredible experience both academically and personally. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone-- it truly was eye-opening.
Georgia 

Special thanks to Cy-Thea Sand (see photo on left) for her invitation to sit in on her Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies class!

For more information on courses in Women's and Gender Studies, please click here.