Bernard Sanders, junior in engineering, pointed out one common stereotype. Another male student, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed that the women's studies program does not preach anti-male sentiments. Because these misconceptions exist in the minds of some students, Ann Haugo, visiting instructor for Women's Studies 111, begins the semester by addressing such problems. Such an open-ended question invites students to explore possible answers, even though Haugo said there is not just one definition of feminism. More importantly, Haugo said feminist issues, taught in her women's studies class, apply to both men and women.
Feminism has various meaning for each person, and colleges consider different things important.
Pat Gill, professor of women's studies, said her course reading assignments, which address feminist issues like female objectification, heteronormative constraints and unequal treatment under the law, help rectify misconceptions about women's studies. Both the readings and my lectures make it clear that 'male' is not a synonym for patriarchy. I first assumed that I'd have to defend my position as a male, but that's not true. Gill said the low number o f men is unfortunate. Because issues of gender affect both men and women in both public and private spheres for the entire course of their lives, I think it vital that men participate in women's studies courses, and I would be happy to see more men enrolling in them.