Gender Studies

At UA Little Rock we offer a minor in Gender Studies, or Gender Studies courses can be a part of a degree plan for students seeking an Interdisciplinary Studies BA. Gender Studies courses are also great choices for general electives outside of your major and/or minor.

The interdisciplinary minor in Gender Studies is designed to help students understand gender roles and how they are impacted by the challenges and opportunities brought about by social, economic, political, legal, and other changes in society.  Our courses also explore the interrelationships among gender, class, and race. The program is particularly recommended to students who plan to pursue career choices involving working with women, children, the elderly, LGBTQ+, and socially disadvantaged populations. Gender Studies courses are good foundations for graduate studies in the social sciences, humanities, law, business, or social services.

See more specific information about the requirements for the Gender Studies minor.

Spring 2024 Gender Studies Courses


In the list below, the courses designated as the Gender Studies Capstone class for Spring 2024 are highlighted and marked with an *. If you are in your final semester of gender studies coursework, you must get your capstone course pre-approved before the semester starts and preferably before you register for the course. Email Dr. Barrio for more information or to get approved to take the capstone.

Sex Crimes CRJU 3315-972Overview of sex offenders and their motivations for offending, as well as the legislation addressing sex crimes and treatment options for this specific offending group. This course will also address victims of sex crimes and sex crimes targeting children.OnlineRaptopoulos, Kilby

Course Description Class Meets Instructor
Intro to Gender Studies
GNST 2300- 991/9U1
Introductory course Online Martin, Londie
Women in a Changing Society
SOCI 3333- 991/9U1
Analysis of the socialization of women for their ascribed roles, changes in contemporary society Online Avra, Shannon
Family Sociology
SOCI 3346-01
Family dynamics for self, community, and society TR 12:15pm-1:30pm Briscoe, David
Family Violence
SOCI 3350-991/9U1
Abuse, neglect, and conflict within the family Online Briscoe, David
Black Protest Literature*
ENGL 4370-01
Exploration of major themes found in protest literature written by Black authors: systemic racism, poverty, sexual violence, nationalism, genocide, etc. TR 9:25am-10:40am Barrio-Vilar, Laura
Toni Morrison*
ENGL 4380-01
Analysis of main works by Toni Morrison, with an emphasis on race and gender relations, family, friendship, socio-economic and cultural survival, memory, violence, and slavery, to name a few. TR 10:50am-12:05pm Barrio-Vilar, Laura
Gender-Bending in Britain ENGL 4370-02 Take a cultural studies approach to the topic of gender (as well as sexuality) based on both real-life and fictional gender-bending characters on the stage and in the streets of England in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Plays, pamphlets, court proceedings, diaries, visual materials, memoirs and biographies (sometimes fictionalized) will serve as our primary readings. TR 1:40pm-2:55pm Hunter, Angela
Women in the Middle East*
HIST 4390-993 / 5390- 993
Overview of the history of gender and women in the Middle East and North Africa from 1750 until the present. Online Yeaw, Katrina
Domestic Violence CRJU 3305-971 A comprehensive overview of crimes within the family: intimate partner violence, family violence in a global context, child abuse, elder abuse, adolescent perpetrators, and the police and courts response to domestic violence. Online Raptopoulos, Kilby
Domestic Violence CRJU 3305-H01 A comprehensive overview of crimes within the family: intimate partner violence, family violence in a global context, child abuse, elder abuse, adolescent perpetrators, and the police and courts response to domestic violence. TR 12:15pm-1:30pm, Hybrid class (meets 25% or more in-person, with at least 25% of class held online) Smith, Molly
Sex Crimes CRJU 3315-972 Overview of sex offenders and their motivations for offending, as well as the legislation addressing sex crimes and treatment options for this specific offending group. This course will also address victims of sex crimes and sex crimes targeting children. Online Raptopoulos, Kilby
Topics in Nonfiction Writing: Memoir and Gender* RHET 4347-01 / 5347-01 Learn about contemporary understandings of gender, and apply that learning to a close study of memoir as a powerful form of personal storytelling. We will read diverse memoirs, learn about the tools of creative nonfiction, and practice writing our own short-form memoirs through the lens of gender studies. MW 1:40pm–2:55pm Martin, Londie
Groundbreaking Women SPAN 4361-990 and 9S1 This seminar examines representations about and by women’s experiences in Latin American literature and culture. We analyze the strategies (and identities) that Latin American women have employed to gain agency, and influence, in private and public spaces within specific historical periods. We will also examine how women have contributed to the creation of local and national identities. First 9 weeks; section 9S1 meets R 6:00pm-8:40pm Delgado-Solórzano, Edma

Fall 2023 Gender Studies Courses


In the list below, the courses designated as the Gender Studies Capstone class for Fall 2023 are highlighted and marked with an *. If you are in your final semester of gender studies coursework, you must get your capstone course pre-approved before the semester starts and preferably before you register for the course. Email Dr. Barrio for more information or to get approved to take the capstone.

Course Description Class Meets Instructor
Intro to Gender Studies
GNST 2300 991/9U1
Introductory course MW 12:15-1:30 Martin, Londie
Women in a Changing Society
SOCI 3333 991/9U1
Analysis of the socialization of women for their ascribed roles, changes in contemporary society Online Avra, Shannon
Family Sociology
SOCI 3346-991/9U1
Family dynamics for self, community, and society Online Avra, Shannon
Family Violence
SOCI 3350-991/9U1
Abuse, neglect, and conflict within the family Online Briscoe, David
Women in Literature ENGL 3340-01 20th- and 21st-century literature written by women trailblazers of various ethnic and national backgrounds. Topics: sexism, violence against women, and social justice. TR 9:25-10:40 Barrio-Vilar, Laura
Postcolonial Literature*
ENGL 4354-991/9U1
Literature by writers from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, who write back against the British empire, exposing the impact of colonialism, exploring the relationship between the colonizer and the colonized, revising historical accounts, and creating “new” literary traditions. Online Barrio-Vilar, Laura
Queer Theory*
PHIL 4380-01
The course will philosophically explore what the term queer could mean. By engaging some of this interdisciplinary field’s most fundamental and most recent texts, we will understand how queer theorists critique heteronormativity, binary gender, and identity categories. TR 1:40-2:55 McAuliffe, Jana
Gender and Horror*
HIST 4390-991/9U1
Horror movies and their relationship to concepts of gender Online Yeaw, Katrina
Art, Children, and Youth
ARED 4326-01
An inquiry into constructions of childhood, adolescence, and child/youth art within a variety of cultural contexts. The course examines historical, anthropological, psychological, and philosophical notions of children, youth, and child/youth art. MW 4:30-5:45 Hood, Emily
Gender Communication
ACOM 3315-982
*This is a 7-week course. An examination of gender constructs as they influence verbal and nonverbal interaction. Topics include the ways communication in families, schools, media, and society creates and perpetuates gender roles. Online (Second 7 Weeks) Thompson, Carol
Senior Capstone Project*
ACOM 4300-9S1
Integration of learning about human communication in various contexts, culminating in an applied qualitative research project and presentation. Intended to be taken in the last semester before graduation. Synchronous online class meets virtually at MWF 11:00am-11:50am McIntyre, Kristen

Summer 2023 Gender Studies Courses


In the list below, the courses designated as the Gender Studies Capstone class for Summer 2023 are highlighted and marked with an *. If you are in your final semester of gender studies coursework, you must get your capstone course pre-approved before the semester starts and preferably before you register for the course. Email Dr. Barrio for more information or to get approved to take the capstone.

Course Description Class Meets Instructor
Intro to Gender Studies
GNST 2300- 991/9U1
Introductory course Online (Second Half Term) Fritts, Megan
Victimology
CRJU 3312-991/9U1
An examination of victim-offender relationships, the interactions between victims and the criminal justice system, and the connections between victims and other institutions (such as the media, advocacy groups, and government). In exploring these connections, we will address the theory, research, legislation, and policy implications related to victimization. Online (First Half Term) Smith, Molly
Feminist Theory*
PHIL 4333-991/9U1
Thinking critically and deeply about how gender works. As we explore the normative aspects of gender we will consult the work of feminists of color, queer feminists, and trans feminists, as the history of feminist thought teaches us that it is crucial to centralize the experiences of those most marginalized by the power dynamics we explore. Online (First Half Term) McAuliffe, Jana
Gender Communication
ACOM 3315-991/9U1
An examination of gender constructs as they influence verbal and nonverbal interaction. Topics include the ways communication in families, schools, media, and society creates and perpetuates gender roles. Online (Second Half Term) Thompson, Carol


Spring 2023 Gender Studies Courses


In the list below, the courses designated as the Gender Studies Capstone class for Spring 2023 are highlighted and marked with an *. If you are in your final semester of gender studies coursework, you must get your capstone course pre-approved before the semester starts and preferably before you register for the course. Email Dr. Barrio for more information or to get approved to take the capstone.

Course Description Class Meets Instructor
Intro to Gender Studies
GNST 2300 991/9U1
10458/10459
Introductory course Online Martin, Londie
Women in a Changing Society
SOCI-3333 991/9U1
10468/10469
Analysis of the socialization of women for their ascribed roles, changes in contemporary society Online Avra, Shannon
Family Sociology
SOCI 3346-01
10475
Family dynamics for self, community, and society MWF 9:00am-9:50am Briscoe, David
Family Violence
SOCI 3350-991/9U1
10476/10477
Abuse, neglect, and conflict within the family Online Briscoe, David
Jane Austen
ENGL 4370-02 & grad level 5370-0210397/10395
We will study several novels by Austen and consider various theoretical approaches that help us view them from new perspectives, including popular culture representations of Austen and her world. Students will also study a contemporary adaptation of Austen. MW 4:30pm-5:45pm Hunter, Angela
African American Literature I
ENGL 3326-991/9U1
11286/11287
Survey of African American literature from colonial times until 1920. We will consider, among other issues, how race, class, gender, sexuality, and culture affect the construction of Black identities and Black literature. Online Barrio-Vilar, Laura
Migration Literature*
ENGL 4370-01 & grad level ENGL 5370-01
10385/10394
This class explores major themes and mythologies found in contemporary migration literature. We will rely on an intersectional analysis of what motivates various peoples to leave their homelands and what the process of acculturation entails. TR 1:40 pm – 2:55 pm Barrio-Vilar, Laura
Perspectives on Women in American History*
HIST 4372-01
11598
US history centering on the experience of women from the colonial period to #MeeToo. MW 12:15pm-1:30pm Cieslak, Marta
Senior Capstone Project*
ACOM 4300-9S1
10071
Integration of learning about human communication in various contexts, culminating in an applied qualitative research project and presentation. Intended to be taken in last semester before graduation. MWF 11:00am-11:50am McIntyre, Kristen


Fall 2022 Gender Studies Courses


In the list below, the course designated as the Gender Studies Capstone class for Fall 2022 is highlighted and marked with an *. If you are in your final semester of gender studies coursework, you must get your capstone course pre-approved before the semester starts and preferably before you register for the course. Email Dr. Barrio for more information or to get approved to take the capstone.

Course Description Class Meets Instructor
Intro to Gender Studies
GNST 2300 991/9U1
60311/60312
Introductory course Online TBD
Women in a Changing Society
SOCI-3333 991/9U1
60322/60323
Analysis of the socialization of women for their ascribed roles, changes in contemporary society Online Avra, Shannon
Family Sociology
SOCI 3346-991/9U1
60328/60329
Family dynamics for self, community, and society Online TBD
Family Violence
SOCI 3350-991/9U1
60330/60331
Abuse, neglect, and conflict within the family Online Briscoe, David
Psychosexual Behavior
PSYC 3365-991/9U1
62321/62322
The emotional, attitudinal, and developmental parameters of human sexual motivation and behavior; masculinity-femininity; sexual deviation; and prevalent sexual behaviors. Online Mastin, David
Gender Communication
ACOM 3315-982/9U1
60285/60286
*This is a 7-week course An examination of gender constructs as they influence verbal and nonverbal interaction. Topics include the ways communication in families, schools, media, and society creates and perpetuates gender roles. Online Thompson, Carol
Afrofuturism and Black Speculative Fiction*
ENGL 4370-02 & grad level ENGL 5370-02
60519/60533
Black speculative literature explores “what if” questions affecting Black populations across the globe, and offers a critique of the alienation experienced by Black people in the past, present, and even the future. From apocalyptic stories to Black lesbian vampires and spaceships, our readings will include science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres by Black writers, such as Octavia Butler’s The Parable of the Sower, Jewelle Gomez’s Gilda Stories, and Rivers Solomon’s The Deep, among others. In-Person
TR 10:50 – 12:05
Stabler Hall 407
Barrio-Vilar, Laura
Groundbreaking Women*
SPAN 4390-990/9U0
60483/60485
This seminar examines representations about and by women’s experiences in Latin American literature and culture. We analyze the strategies (and identities) that Latin American women have employed to gain agency, and influence, in private and public spaces within specific historical periods. We will also examine how women have contributed to the creation of local and national identities. Online Delgado-Solorzano, Edma
Women, Theatre, and Feminism(s)
THEA 4340-01
60757
Explores the emergence and development of varying feminist perspectives in playwriting, performance, direction, and artistic leadership within a global framework. This course has two basic parts: an historical survey of prominent women playwrights, performers, and theatre managers prior to the Women’s Rights movement of the 19th century; and a close study of exemplary feminist theatrical productions and their cultural contexts during the 20th century up to the present. MW 1:40 – 2:55
Center for Performing Arts 226
Smith, Lawrence


Spring 2022 Gender Studies Courses


In the list below, the course designated as the Gender Studies Capstone class for Spring 2022 is highlighted and marked with an *.  If you are in your final semester of gender studies coursework, you must get your capstone course pre-approved before the semester starts and preferably before you register for the course. Email Dr. Yeaw for more information or to get approved to take the capstone.

Course Description Class Meets Instructor
Intro to Gender Studies
GNST 2300
Introductory course Hybrid
MW 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Martin, Londie
Women in a Changing Society
SOCI 3333
Analysis of the socialization of women for their ascribed roles, changes in contemporary society Online Avra, Shannon
Family Violence
SOCI 3350
Abuse, neglect, and conflict within the family Online Briscoe, David
Family Sociology
SOCI 3346
Family dynamics for self, community, and society In-Person
MWF 9 – 9:50 a.m.
Stabler Hall 107
Briscoe, David
Family Communication
ACOM 4323/5323
Study of communication in the family setting and building family relationships. Online & Hybrid
T 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Ross Hall 115
Oliver, Bailey
British Novel
ENGL 4351
Representative readings from the 18th and 19th centuries of the British novel Online Hunter, Angela
Women & War in the Middle East*
HIST 4390/5390
Special Topic Online Yeaw, Katrina
Mean Girls*
ENGL 4370/5370
Seminar: This course explores “mean girls” in a wide range of texts from ancient Greek myth to contemporary film, asking how these women work together and against each other to negotiate power. Flex, Sync, or Online
TR 3:05 – 4:20 p.m.
Stabler Hall 107
McAbee, Kristina
Feminist Theory*
PHIL 4333/5333
Course seeks a broad understanding of the development of various strands of feminist thought and the resulting range of interpretive possibilities. In-Person
TR 10:40 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
McAuliffe, Jana
The Queer South*
GEOG 4300/5300
HIST 4390/5390
Special Topic: Upper-level and graduate course that critical geography and oral history as a means for destabilizing the co-construction of corporeal and geographical binaries. The US South (and to a lesser extent Midwest) are the primary regional areas of focus. Online & Sync.
T 6 – 7 p.m.
Baylis, David