Women's Studies at our women's college
Published December 11, 2008
According to its mission statement, Saint Mary’s mission is to educate women through a “broad-based course of study” that encourages “depth and breadth of knowledge, competence in quantitative skills and modern languages, the ability to think clearly about complex problems, and the capacity to communicate with precision and style”. It also states that our college is committed to forming a “liberally educated woman” who is prepared“for roles of leadership and action”.
In the spirit of our college’s mission, the intent of a liberal arts education, and the importance of feminism in our culture, we, the undersigned Saint Mary's College students and faculty members are requesting that Introduction to Women’s Studies, or at least a WOST program course, be made a part of Saint Mary’s College’s core curriculum. Philosophy, religious studies, art, math and other graduation requirements of a liberal arts education create a well-rounded scholar. We believe that at a women’s college, the core curriculum should create a well-rounded woman scholar. Introduction to Women’s Studies, and the WOST program courses give young women – a demographic shown to disdain feminism today – a fresh perspective on how their gender has influenced their lives and choices. They are empowering courses with unique material that may not be encountered in other core requirements. Our mission states that, “Saint Mary’s pays particular attention to the rights and responsibilities of women in the worlds of work, church, community, and family”. We believe Introduction to Women’s Studies best exemplifies this focus, and is a necessary piece to the liberal education of women at Saint Mary’s College.
Thank you for your consideration of adding this course to Saint Mary's College’s core curriculum.