Clark Atlanta University

Africana Women's Studies

Department of African and AfricanAmerican Studies and
Africana Women's Studies
McPheeters-Dennis Hall, Rooms 11 and 14
Telephone: (404) 880-8533

Africana Women's Studies

The Africana Women's Studies curriculum is composed of three components:

1. Required courses

2. Courses specifically offered by AWS in each area of concentration:

* Women and Development
* Gender, Politics and Public Policy
* Health, Community Development and Social Welfare
* Comparative Literature and Culture

3. Complementary courses in academic departments at CAU and institutions in the UCG Consortium

Required courses for the Master of Arts and the Doctor of Arts in Humanities:

Introduction to Women's Studies
Feminist Theory
Women in Development Feminist Methodology

Course Offerings - Africana Women's Studies

AWS 490. Introduction to Women's Studies

A survey course that introduces the history, trends, basic ideas, scholars, problems, and content of Women's Studies programs. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. (3 credits)

AWS 500. Political Theory (Identical to PSC 540)

An in-depth analysis of the major schools of thought in the field of political theory from the classical period to the present with emphasis on theories about women and politics. Particular attention is given to Third World theories about women. (3 credits)

AWS 501. Feminist Theory

Examines and analyzes the various theoretical, strategic and political positions which characterize the literature and the study of women-related issues. Special emphasis is given to the study of black feminist theory. (3 credits)

AWS 502. Africana Feminist Theory

A critical examination and analysis of the historical and current theories about the role and status of women to African descent. (3 credits)

AWS 503. Feminist Methodology

A variety of research, resources, techniques, and approaches to women's studies are reviewed and assessed. (3 credits)

AWS 504. Comparative Third World Women

An examination of the social, political, psychological and economic conditions of African American, Caribbean, and African women, with a view towards identifying and comparing similarities and differences among the three groups of women. (3 credits)

AWS 505. Women in the Labor Market

An examination of occupational and economic conditions, constraints, and patterns of female wage earners in America; black, white, rural, urban, poor, middle class, and women at various educational levels are discussed. (3 credits)

AWS 506. Women and Development

Emphasis is on the role, priorities and systematic problems associated with female participants in the development process. This is a required course for all students in the AWS and IAD programs. (3 credits)

AWS 507. Rural Women

A cross-cultural look at the lifestyles, socioeconomic, and political conditions and concerns of rural African, Caribbean and African American women. Prerequisite: AWS 506. (3 credits)

AWS 508. Urban Women in Africa and the Caribbean

A cross-cultural analysis of the concerns and conditions of African and Caribbean women who live in urban areas. (3 credits)

AWS 509. Gender, Race and Class in Public Policy

A review of public policy issues which impact on the status and conditions of Africana women. The degree and results of their participation in government policymaking is also examined. Prerequisite: a course in public policy analysis. (3 credits)

AWS 510. Gender, Race and Class in International Affairs and Development

A survey of the role of gender, race, and class in foreign policy making, diplomatic missions, international agencies and organizations. Positions held, career advancement patterns, and issues championed by these women are examined and analyzed. Prerequisites: AWS 490 and AWS 506. (3 credits)

AWS 517. Seminar on Women in Politics (Identical to PSC 517)

A study of the roles, activities and problems confronting women participating in the political system. The discrete subject of the Seminar will vary from semester to semester. (3 credits)

AWS 537. The African Novel (Identical to ENG 537)

A study of modern African novels written in English with attention to their social contexts. (3 credits)

AWS 538. Caribbean Women and Work

A study of the motives and conditions under which Caribbean women work in the formal and informal economics of their states. (3 credits)

AWS 539. Third World Women and Development (Identical to PSC 539)

The history, status and role of Third World women in development are the focus. Governmental policies and practices toward women as well as movements and activities of Third World women are examined. (3 credits)

AWS 540. Caribbean Women Writers

A study of the writings of Caribbean women writers, their topics, perspectives, and motivation for writing. (3 credits)

AWS 542. Seminar on Comparative Politics (Identical to PSC 542)

Designed for advanced students concentrating on Comparative Politics. Focus is on reading and research on selected topics and problems in comparative politics. (3 credits)

AWS 549. Women in Contemporary African Fiction (Identical to 534)

Examination of the status of women in modern African fiction with comparisons to their actual status in these societies. (3 credits)

AWS 591. The Black Aesthetic (Identical to ENG 591)

Analysis of the concept of a black worldview and culture including readings in the Western and African aesthetics as well as American critical writings. (3 credits)

AWS 600. Seminar on Africana Women's Studies

A team-taught course designed to highlight the history, cultural diversity, contributions, and approaches to Africana Women's studies. (3 credits)

AWS 601. Directed Research

3-6 credits

AWS 602. M. A. Thesis Research*

1-6 credits

AWS 603. Dissertation Research*

1-12 credits

AWS 615. Race, Sex and Gender

An examination of the causes and consequences of social and economic cleavages based on race, sex, and class. Emphasis is on the effects of these on African peoples generally and women specifically. (3 credits)

AWS 617. Feminist Criticism

An exploration and assessment of historical and contemporary concepts, issues, and concerns from a critical, feminist perspective. (3 credits)

AWS 651. Internship

Students may do supervised internships in the United States and abroad in a women's program, department, or project. (3 - 9 credits)

*Courses may be taken for repeated credit.