Sternglanz says that a male who is taking one of the introductory Womens Studies courses was the first person who approached her about the new major. He hadn't yet declared a major, so when he heard Womens Studies was a major he decided it would be the right one for him. Sternglanz points out that 10 to 20 percent of Womens Studies minors are men, and that about half of the minors are majoring in Biochemistry or Biology and plan on becoming doctors. To graduate with the new major, a student will have to complete at least 36 credits of Womens Studies classes and take tougher classes than are currently offered. The new senior seminar class will be offered next spring, so next May is when Womens Studies expects to see its first graduates.
Difference is difference.
The Womens Studies major also will emphasis content and skills, especially writing skills. That is why the major will stress thinking and writing analytically to make and win arguments. Getting the Womens Studies major has been a long battle. Unfortunately, the person at SUNY central in Albany who was responsible for reviewing new curriculum proposals left that position. A few weeks ago, Womens Studies was notified that the major was approved by the state education department.