In the third section, we turn to sexual representation, sexuality, and reproductive issues to explore the tension between personal and social control over bodies. In this course we will read and discuss works from first and second wave feminisms, reports on women from all over the world, and texts on women's issues in which students express interest. A major aim of the course is to come to a better understanding of concepts including gender, gender roles, sexuality, woman, man, power and privilege. We will read theorists who argue for strict and essential distinctions between the sexes, theorists who reject such distinctions, and several who explore the areas in between the two extremes. Students will write short papers every two or three weeks and two longer papers.
All reading is required.
An occasional Thursday night film will be strongly recommended. This interdisciplinary seminar, structured around the needs and interests of the participants, will explore women's health issues from a uniquely human biocultural perspective. This perspective considers the interface between biology and culture as the proper context in which to examine human health experiences. In this way, the importance of age, ethnicity, and social connections in shaping women's roles as patients and providers can be acknowledged. Such topics as comparative health care systems and providers, traditional versus biomedical health management, iatrogenesis, malpractice, culture-bound syndromes, elective surgery, alternative healing strategies, ethical dilemmas, and life passages will be considered within a variety of cultural contexts.