Nov. 30, 2001
GW Creates New Horizons
Through Women’s Studies
By Sara Ortega
Economics, education, sexuality, society, law, and
language. Can any individual integrate these issues, let alone the average
student?
According to Amy Robb, who received her graduate certificate
last spring, the women’s studies program at GW successfully manages
and promotes the study of this particular combination. Robb believes
that although women’s studies is one of the most lucrative interdisciplinary
fields on campus, many students often overlook this major as a significant
resume asset.
“It’s an everything-field,” Robb asserts.
“It teaches you not to be swayed by the group mentality. It’s
not obviously practical to every student, and some believe it’s
too hard to market in the real world. But overall, it helps you refine
critical thought and pursue any field of interest.”
Robb swiftly took her degree into the professional
world, where she works now as the archivist for the American Association
of University Women (AAUW). She was originally advised to avoid women’s
studies because it was too subject-specific. Robb argues the program
is fundamentally quite the opposite. Covering a variety of topics from
anthropology to psychology, women’s studies is a highly celebrated
school of thought rather than simply a one-track discipline.
Although distinguished for its strength in liberal
arts, many undergraduates are uncertain where this degree will lead
them. Of the 12 students majoring in women’s studies, in addition
to 45 others minoring in the program, most are not fearful, however,
that their academic decision will restrict professional growth.
Junior Emily Selia says, “the women’s studies
program prepares you to enter the world with solid analytical skills.
Unlike other more particular fields, this major allows you to merge
well-rounded experiences by examining diversity through multiple disciplines.
Like the purpose of any other minority studies’ program on campus,
we plan to re-evaluate social phenomena and educate society on the missing
part of history that created who we are today.”
Scholars sometimes have paid little attention to women’s
research and theory. Therefore, GW created this discipline in 1974,
catering to professional women who had already received their bachelor’s
degree. The program was aimed at those who were new to the District,
having moved here either to follow their husbands’ career paths
or through entirely unrelated channels of their own. These women readily
seized the opportunity to examine the feminist angle. Last spring, after
27 years as a study at the master’s level and available as a minor
since 1989, the University added a bachelor of arts degree in women’s
studies under the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
Ruth Osborne founded the trial continuing education
women’s studies course in 1965. In 1974 the program was approved
at the master’s level and 100 graduate students enrolled. The networks
created since then have allowed the women’s studies major to become
as strong as it is today.
Department Chair Diane Bell praises the accomplishments
made thus far and expects more growth, emphasizing, “When minorities
have been marginalized in the grand analysis of society, it’s good
to support a specific study and watch the concentration flourish. Because
the major is so new to GW, most of our undergraduates did not declare
as freshmen. After taking our introductory course as an elective, they
felt eager to drop their previously declared majors and join our department.
Overall, we’ve been well received by both students and the University.”
Whereas students might have questioned, “what
they could do with this degree?” they now recognize its potential.
GW alone offers a joint MWS/JD program, as well as two other master’s
programs. Universities across the nation solicit these students in all
fields including technology, education, and medicine. Engaging them
as active members in society, the women’s studies department successfully
prepares its undergraduates to face the world with resounding intellect
and decisive conviction. In describing the strides this field has made
to date, Obsorne, states, “We are merely the originators in developing
new horizons.”
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
