Welcome

The program in Women's Studies integrates liberal arts education at Penn State Altoona by using women's experience and feminist theory to analyze themes in the humanities, fine arts, business, social sciences and natural sciences.

Courses emphasize women's past and present roles in culture, politics, economy, family, society and the arts and sciences. They offer various theoretical approaches to topics such as the representation of gender, lesbianism, family, women and the law, language and women in global issues.

The program promotes the study of intersections of gender and sexuality with race, ethnicity and nationality in comparative and global contexts. By considering a variety of controversial issues from different perspectives, it encourages debate and critical thinking. Students develop their skills in oral and written expression. Heightened self-awareness and commitment to community service are further goals of the program.

Students who minor in women's studies enroll both in courses housed in women's studies The Women's Studies minor emphasizes debate, the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, creative approaches to problem-solving, Students develop their skills in oral and written expression and develop the ability to articulate productive alternatives to global issues concerning women and men. Because the minor is interdisciplinary and the field vast, we require our students organize their studies with a focus on a traditional discipline, with a set of gender-related courses in women's studies. We offer small class sizes and innovative classroom experiences. For example, we encourage our students to study abroad and to include experiential learning as part of their academic development.

The women's studies minor prepares majors to pursue careers in agencies and businesses that focus on women and in a variety of other fields ranging from law to education to religion.

As early as possible, students interested in the minor should contact Dr. Roselyn Costantino or Dr. Lee Ann De Reus.

Women's Studies is Not:

• Anti-Male:
  It is an intellectual and political means of seeking equality and justice for all people.
• Victim Oriented:
  It emphasizes women's potential for achievement and leadership.
• Anti-Family:
  It validates and examines the many forms family relations take in the United States and around the world.
• A Fad:
  It has a 30-year history of scholarship about women and gender that transforms conventional fields of knowledge.

Contact: Dr. Roselyn Costantino
Associate Professor of Spanish and Women's Studies
Office: 127 Hawthorn Building
Phone: 814-949-5245
E-mail:
WWW: http://www.personal.psu.edu/rxc19