FSEM 100H4 | Feminism in the 21st Century

In this course, we’ll explore current topics of interest within the feminist movement from an interdisciplinary perspective.  Feminism today involves a complex mix of second-wave (1960s-80s) and third-wave/fourth-wave (2000+) feminist thought. We’ll explore these perspectives as we think critically about what feminism is and isn’t, how far the feminist movement has come, and what work remains to be done.

There is a strong focus on using an intersectional lens to reflect on these topics throughout the semester, and we will discuss controversies and tensions that have been, and continue to be, present in feminism.  There is an emphasis on exploring the perspectives of those who identify as part of one or more socially marginalized groups (e.g., BIPOC women, trans women, women with disabilities) in both our readings and our class discussions.

I have flexibility built in to this course so that you, as a class, will determine some of the topics we choose to focus on.  This means the class will really reflect the interests of this class as a whole.

This FSEM counts as an Honors-designated class.

Photo of Mindy Erchull, Professor of Psychological Science

Mindy Erchull, Professor of Psychological Science

Hi! I’m Dr. Mindy Erchull. I’m a first generation college graduate who grew up in (then rural) southeastern Massachusetts. I attended Connecticut College, a small liberal arts school, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Women’s Studies before moving to Phoenix to complete my graduate work in Social Psychology at Arizona State University.

I’ve spent the last 19 years as a psychology professor affiliated with the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program at UMW. I research topics including feminist identity, the objectification and sexualization of women, and women’s reproductive health. One of my favorite things about being a professor at UMW is getting to know and working closely with my students—in fact, in most years, I actively collaborate with one or more students to complete research projects that we often present at national conferences and publish in professional journals. I love helping students learn about my academic interests and passions while they help me gain a new perspective on familiar material through their own exploration of it.

Outside of my academic life, I’m an avid reader and spend countless hours playing board and card games with friends and family. I also enjoy knitting and exploring new recipes – especially using local ingredients.