WGSS 1500
Introduction to Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
This course will provide an introduction to the foundational concepts, histories, and theories that form the interdisciplinary field of women, gender and sexuality studies. Topics may include the history of feminist movements, masculinity, intersectionality, intimate partner violence, and queer and trans identities and politics. All sections will include periodic testing with in-class exams that may include several unit/module exams or a midterm and final exam.
Instructors
Allison Reed, Amy Cislo, Bailey Willden, Barbara Baumgartner, Beth Windle, Cameron Evans, Chia Yu Lien, Cynthia Barounis, Elisabeth Windle, Franzi Finkenstein, Ivan Bujan, Jami Ake, Katherine Tilghman, Kimberly Soriano, Lynnea Brumbaugh, Lynnea Brumbaugh Walter, Paco Tijerina, Rebecca Wanzo, Rene Esparza, Stephen Reaugh, Trevor Sangrey
Reviews
Every point I made in class, she seemed to shoot down, and she was kind of mean about it, which I found very discouraging, as it was a discussion course. I was excited to take the class and found it interesting, but her approach felt passive-aggressive and not open-minded.
4/16/2026
Beth is my favorite professor I have ever had! Not only is she hilarious and engaging, but she thouroughly explains the topics and makes sure each student is understanding the material. In her class, I have never felt like just another student. WGSS has been one of my favorite courses, all because of her!
3/27/2026
cynthia is very sweet, but do get ready to read. the class's discussion flow is heavily based on who is in your class so pls read and talk it makes all the difference. to study for exams LOOK AT HER SLIDES AND TAKE NOTES, she makes the reading digestible( you could bs some) most of the key questions she ask on exams she mentions in class!!
12/14/2025
Prof Esparza made WGSS so interesting and every lecture was captivating. He uses a combo of lecture and activities in class. Every reading connected to the topics (even if they were long). We covered so many topics and it touches on so many current issues. There is nightly readings/videos but they all can be used in the few papers he assigns.
12/4/2025
The nicest professor I have ever met at WashU. Genuinely cares about students and is clearly passionate about the material. Very easy grader, and not much work outside of class.
11/6/2025
She is such a kind professor. She creates such a welcoming space for students. The class is mostly discussion-based and there is a lot of reading each week, but it's an easy A if you do all the reading (at least before the exams).
4/19/2025
I can honestly say this has been one of my favorite courses at WASHU, and it's all thanks to Beth. She is endlessly caring, accommodating, hilarious, and a genuine joy to be around. I will be genuinely heartbroken to not have her as a professor next semester, and I recommend taking any course with her you can! One of my all-time favorite professors
4/18/2025
Beth is an outstanding professor. I took her class with no background in the subject, but her clarity, energy, and student-focused approach quickly made it one of the best courses I've taken. Beyond being a kind and thoughtful person, she's also one of the most compelling and entertaining lecturers at WashU.
4/18/2025
One of the best profs as Washu. She's extremely smart, funny, and makes every class captivating. Definitely take her if you can. She's deeply committed to her students and fosters a learning environment that's welcoming and inclusive.
4/18/2025
Beth is easily the best teacher I've had at WashU. Her classes are extremely engaging, and she is brilliant and laugh-out-loud funny. If you have the chance to take a class with Beth, it would be a huge mistake not to. She cares deeply about her students and goes out of her way to foster an inclusive classroom and respectful dialogue.
4/18/2025
2 or less hrs/week
class is very insightful and discussion based. its typically 2 readings needed to be done before each class and arent bad. its one presentation and short reflection, then another short analysis of a piece of media for the final. would 100% recommend
4/17/2025
Beth is a great teacher! I have taken 2 classes with her and have really enjoyed them! I suggest everyone take a class with beth!
4/3/2025
Trevor always made class fun and never hesitated to share their thoughts or mince words. That being said, it felt like a lot of the time students could be dismissed or made fun of for sharing their thoughts if they disagreed or had different interpretations. Engaging lectures and explained readings in a very easy-to-understand way.
12/27/2024
2-4 hrs/week
Class is almost completely off participation and completion for homework. Tests are not super easy and essays are hit or miss depending on how much she likes your topic. Good class if you like the material.
12/18/2024
I got frustrated sometimes because I felt like Trevor was very dismissive of people's interpretations of readings, but this improved later on and I appreciated how understanding Trevor was. As long as there was communication it was ok to miss class or get extensions sometimes. Trevor grades also was never overly harsh with scoring.
12/16/2024
2-4 hrs/week
chill- a lot of reading, but if you're good a bsing you can bs your way through discussions. easy A
12/2/2024
I love Professor Trevor! They are so caring and really want you to succeed! Make sure to pay attention in class and take notes and you should be good on the exams!
11/13/2024
Professor Cislo is the best professor I've had at WashU. She gives amazing lectures that are very engaging. Grading is very fair. You get out of it what you put in. WGGS 100B with Cislo is a 100% must take.
11/12/2024
HORRIBLE PROFESSOR RUN AWAY! She doesn't like opinions that aren't in alignment with hers, be ready to be judged and your grades will reflect it. Instead of spending time on vivid discussions that are related to WGSS, she will tear your opinion apart.
10/24/2024