5 thoughts on “Actually respond this time: Why do you think Introduction to Women’s Studies is not offered as a Gen Ed course?”
Well, from what I’ve learned from WMST professors, it was a struggle just to have a Women’s Studies minor. I think that JMU at large is not ready for discussions of minority rights, despite the large emphasis the administration is currently placing on diversity. And I think that this is part of the reason why there is no WMST minor — there is no interest by the administration in expanding it. Plus, if you look at the student body, it really seems like there is little interest. It’s one of those “f-word” things… if you take women’s studies, someone might think you’re a feminist, or apply all those myths to you, and some people are not ready for the social stigma that comes with that.
Sadly, I think women’s studies isn’t seen as a part of the core curriculum. I think it should be at least an option to take for one of the requirements.
I agree, it seems like JMU really isn’t “ready” for this. But it’s funny that you posted this because recently I’ve been thinking about this a lot…why isn’t some sort of Women’s Studies class a course requirement for JMU’s gen ed program? When I first took a Justice Studies class that talked about justice and gender and feminism, I genuinely felt cheated that I hadn’t been required to take that class…I think that JMU is still thinking that Women’s studies are classes that provide an “alternative” way to see things, however, it seems more like NOT taking a class on the topic is a way to plea ignorance and see things in an alternative way than how they really are…I also think a big problem is with the actual term “Women’s Studies.” I feel like a lot of people (particularly male students and faculty) find that exclusive and that they shouldn’t be “allowed” in that realm…maybe by calling it a Gender Studies or gen ed Justice Studies class would be more beneficial and reach more people..
ShoutOut! James Madison University 
Well, from what I’ve learned from WMST professors, it was a struggle just to have a Women’s Studies minor. I think that JMU at large is not ready for discussions of minority rights, despite the large emphasis the administration is currently placing on diversity. And I think that this is part of the reason why there is no WMST minor — there is no interest by the administration in expanding it. Plus, if you look at the student body, it really seems like there is little interest. It’s one of those “f-word” things… if you take women’s studies, someone might think you’re a feminist, or apply all those myths to you, and some people are not ready for the social stigma that comes with that.
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Sadly, I think women’s studies isn’t seen as a part of the core curriculum. I think it should be at least an option to take for one of the requirements.
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I agree, it seems like JMU really isn’t “ready” for this. But it’s funny that you posted this because recently I’ve been thinking about this a lot…why isn’t some sort of Women’s Studies class a course requirement for JMU’s gen ed program? When I first took a Justice Studies class that talked about justice and gender and feminism, I genuinely felt cheated that I hadn’t been required to take that class…I think that JMU is still thinking that Women’s studies are classes that provide an “alternative” way to see things, however, it seems more like NOT taking a class on the topic is a way to plea ignorance and see things in an alternative way than how they really are…I also think a big problem is with the actual term “Women’s Studies.” I feel like a lot of people (particularly male students and faculty) find that exclusive and that they shouldn’t be “allowed” in that realm…maybe by calling it a Gender Studies or gen ed Justice Studies class would be more beneficial and reach more people..
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Because a bunch of men would sit around and ask where their studies were. And scream about being disenfranchised.
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Well, you know, it is hard to be a man and constantly be oppressed and all that. I truly feel for them.
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