April 2015

To James Madison University General Education Coordinators and Administrators,

We, the students, faculty members, and friends of James Madison University are urging you to add the introductory Women’s and Gender Studies course, WGS 200, for General Education Credit (Cluster Five).
We believe that implementing this course as a general education option would enhance the campus culture by creating safe spaces, combating issues of sexual violence, and raising competent diversity awareness. This course will prepare students for multiple majors, as well as a multitude of diverse careers and life experiences.

WGS 200 is unique in that it is the foundation course for one of the most multi-disciplinary minors. In WGS 200, students learn foundational vocabulary to help define issues in society with regard to race, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, ethnicity, religious identity, gender identity, and other group alignments. The course engages students to think critically about the institutions we often take for granted, and understand their ability to be agents for social change. At JMU, we encourage all students to “Be The Change.” WGS 200 is vital to fulfill this mission.

Introduction to women’s and gender studies is a course that could positively change students lives through knowledge, and help incoming first year students explore different paths of study. Course readings are from scholars across different disciplines such as health, education, STEM, media, art, history, literature, and more. These readings and course discussion can work to inspire students and help guide them in a career path and course of study that is truly meaningful to them. WGS 200 encompasses the important goals of Cluster Five.

Please listen to the will of the JMU community who wants to see more social justice courses offered. As James Madison University students, faculty, staff, and friends we are determined to #BeTheChange and will feel further empowered to do this if you #MaketheChange and allow WGS 200 to count as a general education course.