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
Ake, Allison Reed, Amy Cislo, Bailey Willden, Barounis, Chia Yu Lien, Cislo, Cynthia Barounis, Elisabeth Windle, Esparza, Franzi Finkenstein, Ivan Bujan, Jami Ake, Katherine Tilghman, Paco Tijerina, Reaugh, Rebecca Wanzo, Reed, Rene Esparza, Sangrey, Stephen Reaugh, Trevor Sangrey, Wanzo, Windle
Reviews
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
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
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
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
Professor Trevor is great. The class is purely discussion based, so make sure you read the readings and some group projects. They assign the readings on Canvas (about 20-30 pages long). The homework assignment are weekly reflection essays, which are super short and easy. Pay attention in class and you will do well on the quizzes.
5/22/2024
2-4 hrs/week
Super engaging discussion based course with minimal work outside of class. Really makes you realize a lot about the world around you and I think is a class that should be required for everyone at WashU. Also not a lot of work or stress so would definitely recommend!!
5/19/2024
Lots of reading and fun discussions in class. Very chill and very accomodating as long as you communicate.
4/27/2024
Professor truly opened my eyes in WGSS. Super friendly to talk to. Gives meaningful feedback and provides you extra opportunities when she could.
3/28/2024
This is one of the few times where I felt like more than just a number. He wants you to succeed. If you have a chance to take a class with him, do it.
1/16/2024
I absolutely loved intro to WGSS with Dr. Cislo. They are very passionate, knowledgable, and patient. They seem to genuinely care about students. There are many opportunities to get your grade up!
1/9/2024
Prof. Barounis was very receptive to some health issues that I had this semester, so big points to her on that. Otherwise, her lectures were entertaining and spawned good discussions. Readings could vary, but I would say they are mostly pretty short.
12/19/2023
Class is seminar based and is very dependent on the quality of the contributions made by your peers. I was lucky to has a class of many smart and caring peers, who moved the discussion along well. Understandably, the professor only gives minimal political and social commentary in seminars, but implicitly does so when picking our readings.
8/8/2023
Class revolves around the readings that you do, which there is way too much of. Often times we only cover half of the readings that we do. Discussion is largely based on the quality of your peers. The professor's political leniencies are also very obvious (natural for WGSS). Rare closed-book intro WGSS professor, so make sure to read up.
5/14/2023
I liked the content, but I was frequently annoyed by the copious amounts and repetitiveness of direction giving. Not a bad experience, but I just didn't jive with Steve like I would've wanted to for a wgss class. I really appreciated the amount of feedback given on draft essays, as well as his understanding when it came to missing class/extensions.
4/27/2023
Professor Barounis is a wonderful person and instructor. She was incredibly forgiving with extensions so don't be afraid to ask her for them. This course has a lot of tough material but she was always able to break it down for students and get us to actually talk about it.
4/27/2023
Dr. Barounis is a really amazing person and professor. I've taken two classes with her, Intro and Bodies out of Bounds: Feminist and Queer Disability Studies (favorite class I've taken. It's a must). She's incredibly understanding about extenuating circumstances when it comes to extensions and she really cares about her students
4/26/2023
I've taken a couple of classes with Professor Cislo and enjoyed both. She cultivates a welcoming atmosphere and is clearly passionate about what she teaches. The courses were both discussion-based which keeps you engaged. Professor Cislo's grading criteria are very clear so you're set up for success as long as you do the readings and assignments.
4/25/2023
This class is fantastic! Quite a bit of reading, but stay mostly on top of it and you should have no issues. Prof Barounis generally reviews the main points of the readings very well, so you can get away with skimming sometimes. She is such a wonderful professor - very caring and considerate, and she definitely knows her stuff! Exams are easy.
4/25/2023
Beth is a fantastic professor! She is thoughtful of her students and always open to discussing your journey in the class and how you can best succeed. Participation is important due to in-class discussions, so spend time on the readings. Office hours are incredibly helpful and an excellent resource for the few papers that the course has.
3/25/2023