Loyola University Chicago

Women's Studies and Gender Studies

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Archived Home Page Stories

2022-23 Academic Year

 

Moxie Movie Night!

Moxie Movie Night

Need a break from studying? Join the WSGS office on December 1st at 5:30pm for a screening of Moxie!

Midterm Elections are Coming Up!

Learn More.

Check out Loyola Votes and make sure you are preapred to vote in the election next month!

WSGS Open House

WSGS Open House Information

Come check out our feminist library and study space!
November 3rd and 4th, 1-3pm, Crown Center 117.

Feminist Forum: Hygiene Kits

Feminist Forum Hygiene Kit Event Flyer

Join The Feminist Forum in Cuneo Hall 109 at 4:30pm on September 29th to help make hygiene kits for Sarah's Circle!

Feminist Ethicists Respond to Dobbs: A LUC Theology Department Series

Dobbs Lectures Events Flyer

Join the Theology Department on Tuesdays during the fall semester for conversations in response to the recent Dobbs Decision by the U.S. Supreme Court!

 

2021-22 Academic Year

 

Gerber/Hart and Library and Archives Podcast: Unboxing Queer History 

Gerber/Hart Library and Archives Podcast

Have you heard of the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives here in Rogers Park? Gerber/Hart has a collection of LGBTQ+ cultural and historical items and works to preserve these artifacts. They recently started a podcast to discuss the insides of their work and elaborate on the stories of the items they find.

Summer 2022 WSGS 101 Course Offering

More Information.

The course follows a lecture and discussion format, including in-class exercises and small group work, and is structured around two thematic areas: Unit 1: bodies, gender, and sexuality Unit 2: theories and social movements.

Dr. Elizabeth Coffman awarded the Ken Burns Prize for Film

More Information.

Watch the Flannery Trailer.

Read the Library of Congress official press release.

Last month, the Library of Congress awarded the inaugural Ken Burns Prize for Film to Loyola professor, Dr. Elizabeth Coffman and Vice President for Mission and Ministry of Georgetown University, Mark Bosco for their documentary film, Flannery, about the life and work of southern fiction writer, Flannery O’Connor.

Call for 2022 Feminist Lecture Series Proposals

More Information.

The Women’s Studies & Gender Studies program is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2022 Feminist Lecture Series!  

Individuals or groups interested in presenting their research, academic interests, or professional work(s) in the 2022 academic year are encouraged to submit their proposals by December 1, 2021, and can do so by clicking here. This is an excellent opportunity for faculty, students, and community members alike to share their latest research, bolster their resume, and gain invaluable public speaking experience outside of the classroom setting. 

Mira Krivoshey - Sexual Assault Advocacy Course 

More Information: 
WSGS 397

Click the link for more information and the flyer for the spring 2021 Sexual Assault Advocacy course.

Michelle Nickerson Suffrage School

Find Dr. Nickerson's video and more here!

 

Loyola's own Dr. Michelle Nickerson (History) hosted the latest installment of Suffrage School, an ongoing project at the Radcliffe Institute in honor of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Follow the link to find Dr. Nickerson's video, along with over a dozen others from a broad array of researchers, writers, and teachers.

Councilmember Andrea Jenkins 

Click here to watch a recording of this spectacular event.

More Information.

On Thursday, February 25, 2021 the Loyola University Chicago was visited by Councilwoman Andrea Jenkins in conversation with Shay Collins, President of Loyola SDMA. 

In 2017, Andrea Jenkins made history, becoming the first African American openly trans woman to be elected to office in the United States. Representing Ward 8 and serving as Vice President of the Minneapolis City Council, Jenkins came to politics in order to fight systemic racism, transphobia, and inequity.

A New 'Think Women Award for Writing" 

More Information.

The School of Social Work invites any graduating Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral student to submit an original paper relevant to current issues that focus on women and gender. Thoughtful papers that highlight women’s issues and women as a relevant population in social work through practice, policy, or research are acceptable. The papers will be judged by an Awards Committee of faculty and staff. The award is being sponsored by Think Women Company.

2020-21 Academic Year

 

Votes for Women

More Information.

The WLA is dedicating 19 days to commemorating the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the 19th Amendment. August 26-October 29, 2020, follow us on Facebook as we highlight a collection of events & resources.

Lili Elbe Digital Archive

More Information.

In 1930 Danish artist Einar Wegener underwent a series of surgeries to become Lili Elvenes (more commonly known as Lili Elbe). Her life story, Fra Mand til Kvinde (Man into Woman), published in Copenhagen in 1931, is the first full-length narrative of a subject who undergoes a surgical change in sex.

This digital archive will provide searchable versions of all four editions (Danish, German, British and American) as well as the German typescript and the first English language translation of the Danish edition.

WSGS Community Alive and Well

See the full note here!

A note from our director, Dr. Betsy Jones Hemenway.

Rebecca Traister - Good & Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger

On November 10, Loyola Women’s Studies & Gender Studies partnered with local, feminist bookstore Women & Children First to host Rebecca Traister in conversation with Megan Stielstra regarding Traister’s latest book Good & Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger. Women & Children First describes the book as “a vital, incisive exploration into the transformative power of female anger and its ability to transcend into a political movement.”

The event served as the 40th Anniversary celebration for the Loyola Women’s Studies and Gender Studies program as well as Women & Children First. Both have been a part of the Chicago feminist community since 1979. Hosted at Wilson Abbey in Uptown, the event had over 150 people in attendance. 

Betsy Jones Hemenway, Director of the Loyola Women’s Studies and Gender Studies program, delivered a short speech on the importance of Women’s Studies in the current socio-political landscape characterized by the continued marginalization of women and gender minorities. Hemenway continued on to introduce Traister and welcome her to the stage. 

Rebecca Traister is writer at large for New York magazine and a contributing editor at Elle. A National Magazine Award finalist, she has written about women in politics, media, and entertainment from a feminist perspective for The New Republic and Salon and has also contributed to The Nation, The New York Observer, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vogue, Glamour and Marie Claire. She is the author of All the Single Ladies and the award-winning Big Girls Don’t Cry.

 

2019-20 Academic Year

 

Congratulations to Our Graduating Students!

It may not have been the graduation we were expecting, but we still found a way to honor and celebrate our graduating WSGS students. Congratulations!

WSGS Community Alive and Well

Updated Information.

In these bizarre times, help us with creative ways to stay connected.

Dr. Shweta Singh - 2019 Gender Equality Award

Professor, Dr. Shweta Singh, who currently teaches Global Feminism among other courses, was awarded the 2019 Gender Equality Award.

On October 15, The United Nations (UN) Women USA Chicago Chapter held its fourth annual Gender Equality Awards. This event honored Chicago-based individuals and organizations for their work towards equitable city planning at the local, national and global level. Professor, Dr. Shweta Singh, who currently teaches Global Feminism among other courses, was awarded the 2019 Gender Equality Award. Dr. Singh was recognized for her work as founder of the Benefit Corporation Think Women Company and co-creator of the E-Zine Empowered Women.
The awards ceremony was held at Lagunitas Brewing Company where attendees had time to network with other UN Women members while enjoying a buffet dinner.

 

40th Anniversary Sticker Winners 

See the sticker designs!

Congratulations to all the winners!

100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage Sticker Contest

In honor of the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage and the continued fight for voting rights today, WSGS is seeking visual art submissions on the theme of civic engagement.

Loyola University Chicago Women's Studies and Gender Studies program:
2020 Art Submissions - Civic Engagement
In honor of the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage, we are looking for student made designs on the theme of civic engagment. Below, please find the parameters for submission.

All submissions should be sent to: wsgsprogram@luc.edu by December 17th, 2019 at midnight.

2018-19 Academic Year

 

Feminist Lecture Series 2018

Feminist Lecture Series 2018 Flyer

Join us every other Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Cuneo 103 for the Feminist Lecture Series.

Meaghan Tomasiewicz - 2018-2019 President's Medallion Recipient

More Informartion.

Meaghan is the School of Social Work's 2018-2019 President's Medallion recipients and scheduled to complete their Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies in 2019.

 

2017-18 Academic Year

 

Congrats to Our Graduates!

Join us in congratulating our 2018 WSGS Graduates: Mary Kate Curley, Jena DiMaggio & Bri Howerton.

Loyola Feminist Lecture Series

More Information.

In the spirit of community consciousness-raising groups of the 1970s, the Women's Studies and Gender Studies program aims to create a space where community members facilitate dialogues and learn more from each other essential topics of contemporary feminism. Our inaugural lecture series provides an opportunity for the Loyola community to foster an environment in which feminist ideas thrive. Our presenters are current and former students, staff, and faculty addressing topics and issues impacting both our campus and larger Chicago community.

The Fall 2018 lecture schedule will be announced in the coming months.

Celebrate Women's History Month

More Information.

Join faculty, staff, and students across our campus community to remember and celebrate women in various fields and industries throughout March.

Spring 2018 Lecture Series: Call for Presenters

In Spring 2018, the Women's Studies and Gender Studies (WSGS) program will launch a monthly lecture lunch series for the Loyola community and friends. In the spirit of community consciousness-raising groups of the 1970s, WSGS aims to create a space where community members facilitate dialogues and learn more from each other essential topics of contemporary feminism.

Each selected presenter will give a lecture and/or presentation for up to 30 minutes. They may choose to do a Q&A or provide questions for group conversation following their lecture.

We are seeking submissions from current and former graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni. People of all disciplines are welcome to submit, as long as there is a feminist theoretical framework or methodology. Submit an application via our Google Form by October 31 at 6 p.m. E-mail WSGS graduate assistant Keisa Reynolds at kreynolds6@LUC.edu with any questions.

The monthly series will occur every third Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in the WSGS suite (Crown Center, Room 116) at the Lake Shore Campus. The dates for Spring 2018 semester are January 17, February 21, March 21, and April 18. Refreshments will be provided by the WSGS program. Please feel free to bring your own brown bag lunch.

Study Abroad in Nicaragua with WSGS

More Information

Travel to Central America and explore contemporary gender issues during Spring Break 2018. The application deadline is November 1.

 A Century of Irish Activism: My Grandparents and My Own Fight for Gender Equality

When: October 25, 2017 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Where: Loyola's Lake Shore Campus | Piper Hall, First Floor
Additional Details: 
This free event is open to the entire Loyola community.

Dr. Sheehy Skeffington’s grandparents, Hanna and Francis Sheehy Skeffington, were prominent Irish feminists, nationalists, pacifists, and socialists. After Francis was shot without trial by the British during the Irish 1916 rebellion, Hanna embarked on an 18-month tour of the U.S. to tell the truth about British brutality in Ireland. 100 years later, Micheline is retracing that tour and filming a documentary to honor her grandmother’s remarkable and little-remembered achievement.

This event is sponsored by the Women's Studies and Gender Studies program and the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership.

Sam Kirk Event

In celebration of LGBTQIA Heritage Month, we are co-sponsoring events with artist Sam Kirk on October 20, 2017. Kirk will host an interactive workshop and give a keynote focusing on her identities as a local, Chicago artist, Woman of Color, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Study in Washington D.C. 

More Information.

Loyola's "Semester in Washington D.C." is open to all Loyola undergraduate students with at least a junior standing. Applications for the Spring 2018 semester are due this month.

Calling all WSGS Alums

The Women's Studies and Gender Studies program wants to highlight the successes of our undergraduate and graduate alumnae/i. During the 2017-18 academic year, we will interview six to ten WSGS alumni and publish short profiles about each person on our website. 

The profiles will serve as a resource for prospective and current students interested in our undergraduate and graduate programs. This is an opportunity for them to learn more about utilizing a degree in women's studies and gender studies. This is also a great way to show off your hard work! 

If you or someone you know would like to be featured, contact WSGS graduate assistant Keisa Reynolds at kreynolds6@luc.edu. Your e-mail should include the full name, graduation year, and brief description of the person's work since completion of the WSGS program, along with their email address.

Nominations are due by Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 11:59 p.m.

Statement on the Rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program

Loyola President Jo Ann Rooney, JD, LLM, EdD, reaffirms the University’s commitment to a community based in hope, faith, and service—and to the extraordinary group of students affected by the decision ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. 

Join us in Spain this summer!

Learn about contemporary gender issues in Barcelona. Visit one of a kind museums, historic architectural sites, and cultural organizations/NGOs that pave the way for gender equality and gender diversity. 

2016-17 Academic Year

 

Medieval Movie Night: The Sorceress

4/3/17
Medieval Movie Night Event Flyer

Medieval Studies Center and the hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual heritage present Medieval Movie Night: the Sorceress. Movie will show on APRIL 3 from 6-8:30pm in the Crown Auditorium and will include a historical introduction, snacks and discussion... Medieval witchcraft, healing practices, official and "folk" religion, aristocratic oppression and female empowerment are just a few of the topics addressed.

Undergraduate Women’s Leadership Award Reception 

3/20/17
Women's History Month Event

7-8:30 p.m. • McCormick Lounge • Lake Shore Campus
RSVP here.

Picturing Women in Renaissance Art

3/21/17
Women's History Month Event

6pm • LUMA (Loyola University Museum of Art)
In this talk Loyola Art History Professor Marilyn Dunn will examine how imagery and themes in both domestic and religious art objects related to female gendered experience in the Renaissance.
RSVP to luma@luc.edu or 312.915.7630.

Women in Politics: Past and Present

3/27/17
Women's History Month Event

7 p.m. • Klarchek Information Commons, Fourth Floor • Lake Shore Campus
A panel discussion featuring Illinois politicians.

Sita and Surpanakha: Indian Womanhood in a Tholu Bommalata Ramayan

3/28/17
Women's History Month Event

6 p.m. • LUMA (Loyola University Museum of Art)
In this talk Loyola Art History Professor Sarita Heer will be contextualizing Indian womanhood in other forms of Indian visual culture to demonstrate how the Sita and Surpanakha puppets of a Tholu Bommalata Ramayan educate women on correct conduct.
RSVP to luma@luc.edu or 312.915.7630

Aurora Levins Morales: “Deep Sustainability: Ecology, Disability, and Justice”

4/5/17, 5:30pm, IC 4th Floor

More information on Aurora L. Morales 

"We live in a world in great peril of destruction because our economies have been built on foundations of greed.  In the face of great odds, people have always found ways to resist being dehumanized, exploited and dominated. But now we are at a tipping point. In order to change human society enough to sustain us, we need to draw many different nuclei of that resistance together, and tap everything we have learned through generations of separate efforts to build peaceful, just and life-sustaining societies.

We need electrons, storytellers who can trace the lines of connection between disability and ecology, peace in the Middle East and the preservation of the Great Lakes, how closing public schools in Black neighborhoods is driven by the same forces deforesting West Africa, how women’s ownership of land can prevent famine, protect soil, and slow climate change. 

I am that kind of storyteller. 

I use the tools of history and ecology, radical trauma theory and feminist testimonio, poetry and research, documentary and ritual, invention and analysis, healing and confrontation. My work reaches into many places, and touches many people. I write, speak at events, make art, collaborate with organizations, teach, mentor and consult, broadcast my ideas, and talk with people. 

You can learn more my public speaking, consulting, teaching, and mentoring by going to WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER

I believe storytelling has the power to restore connection and change how people think. That transformation begins with imagination and hope, and this is the work of poets.   I believe in the power of conversation, within and between communities, of people listening to each other. That imagination, hope and connection can bind us together into something new. Into molecules of change." (direct from Aurora Levins Morales homepage)