Perspectives from Women's Studies Undergrads

How better to learn what life is like as a Women's Studies undergrad than from students in our department? Take a few minutes and see what our undergrads have to say about us.

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We asked students from our general education courses to share their thoughts on WMNST 001 and WMNST 003. Some of their responses included:

"This is a course where you truly feel like you are learning relevant things that can be applied to everyday life."

"I think you should tell them this class allows your mind to expand into the future and examine today's society.... Also, you begin to explore the deepest, most troubling aspects about yourself. As a result, they no longer remain troubling or something to be ashamed of."

"The best thing about this class is that it encourages thinking. New issues are explored everyday, and new ways of experiencing the world are seen. Even if this class changes none of your beliefs, it will definitely make you think about them."

"We really learn from each other. I have personally been made aware of so many new ideas that have totally changed the way I view society."

"Please emphasize that at Penn State, even in the honors program, it is very rare (but not impossible) to find a course which opens your mind and teaches you to think. I personally encourage students to seek new ways to open your mind and embrace diversity and critical thinking. Women's Studies is a class that will do this for you. You will not regret taking this class, likely it will be one of the shining highlights of your Penn State career."

"Women's Studies offers insight not only into women's issues, but also allows the student to learn more about his/herself and society. Through discussion and critical analysis, I personally have evaluated my own belief systems as well as the contradiction between my beliefs and my actions."

"This class educates you with the whole picture. It allows you to see yourself in society."

"The class gives you a new and different way to look at the world and what's going on (critical thinking).
.... it helps you to deal with frustrating issues women face in the world."

"It will change your views on very simple aspects that are taken for granted in day to day life."

"I think that you should talk about how open the class is to viewpoints of all and how it really helps you to understand what is happening with the women in our society....
it could change your view on how you see women....
I think you would really enjoy learning this."

"Open your mind!"

"Learn to deal with day to day life -- buying a car, MTV, the toy store, etc."

"This class offers a wonderful chance to look at yourself and other's views on relevant issues. The small setting of the course allows for wonderful discussions with a very open format."

"It is very, very rare to have a class in which everyone is truly comfortable.... truly respected.... and truly educated about the things that matter. The most important aspect of college is learning about yourself -- and this class for girls, women, and guys alike -- will teach you more about who you are and why you're who you are, more than anything I've experienced at PSU! Take this class!"

"This is a chance to learn more about yourself and others. This class is an eye-opener -- it makes you view the world. It teaches women that they have value."

"Promotes a transformation of ideas... a more critical way of looking at the world around you and the issues which directly or indirectly affect women."

"Very engaging! You can't help but learn."

"I think this class is thoroughly enjoyable. It is so more discussion that it allows students to personally identify with the issues discussed. Definitely deals with pertinent issues of today.... I doubt any other high school students have learned about women's studies or are aware of what it is.... very different from textbook learning. The class encourages critical thinking and helps with all other classes."

"You should say that it is relevant to your life and your education."

"Maybe men are realizing that they can find other ways to get involved in their families.... women are realizing this, too."

"Tell them that this course will teach them things about themselves and the world around them... that they would definitely benefit and learn more than anywhere else at PSU."