Women’s and Gender Studies

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Women’s and Gender Studies

Contact Information

Phone: 401.865.2924
Fax: 401.865.2381
Location: Phillips Memorial Library LL18B

The Faculty

Professors

Mary L. Bellhouse, Ph.D. (Political Science)
Peter R. Costello, Ph.D. (Philosophy/Public and Community Service Studies)
Catherine E. Gordon, Ph.D. (Music)
Rev. Kenneth R. Gumbert, O.P., M.F.A. (Theatre, Dance, and Film)
Deborah J. Johnson, Ph.D. (Art and Art History/Women’s Studies)
Patricia M. Lawlor, Ph.D. (Foreign Language Studies)
Charlotte G. O’Kelly, Ph.D. (Sociology/Women’s Studies)
Wendy R. Oliver, Ed.D. (Theatre, Dance, and Film/Women’s Studies)
Tuire M. Valkeakari, Ph.D. (English)

Associate Professors

Maia F. Bailey, Ph.D. (Biology)
Elizabeth A. Bridgham, Ph.D. (English)
Abigail T. Brooks, Ph.D. (Sociology/Women’s Studies), Program Director
Angela Licia Carlson, Ph.D. (Philosophy)
Margaret Healy-Varley, Ph.D. (English)
Jennifer G. Illuzzi, Ph.D. (History)
Jessica M. Mulligan, Ph.D. (Health Policy and Management)
Maureen C. Outlaw, Ph.D. (Sociology/Women’s Studies)
Despina D. Prassas, Ph.D. (Theology)
Carmen A. Rolon, Ed.D. (Secondary Education/Women’s Studies)
Eve Veliz-Moran, Ph.D. (Sociology)

Assistant Professors

Margaret M. Manchester, Ph.D. (History)

The Program

The College offers a major and a minor in women’s studies. Women’s studies is an innovative, interdisciplinary academic field of study. It focuses on analyzing the contributions and achievements of women across the globe-past and present-and throughout the academic disciplines. At Providence College, its purpose is to provide opportunities for students to formulate a comprehensive view of culture that incorporates the experiences of women. Understanding the issues vital to women’s lives and their intellectual and creative productivity enables both male and female students to develop a positive personal philosophy with regard to gender roles.

As a scholarly focus that has only received attention for the last 30 years, women’s studies strives to be sensitive to the under-representation of other groups. Thus, there is a strong effort to recognize and document the diversity of women’s experiences across age, race, ethnic group, social class, and physical condition. Offering a more inclusive understanding of humanity, women’s studies naturally strengthens preparation for many careers in both the public and private sectors.

The Women’s Studies Program is committed to empowering students as active learners. Courses use collaborative and interactive approaches that encourage reflection, challenge existing viewpoints, and further develop critical thinking.

For admission into the Women’s Studies Program, a student must be in good academic standing. To qualify for the major or the minor, a student must have completed the course requirements and have at least a 2.0 GPA.

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