One of the things I reacted to most strongly during this week’s class period was the very end question. “If we could use our studies in conflict to reimagine our program, what would (and what wouldn’t) we change?” I really liked this question because I really like focusing on practical applications of the things we discuss in class. I think figuring out ways to improve the Women’s Studies department is a great step towards effecting more change, since if we’re learning about broader issues in class like trans national feminism or trans issues it will help raise consciousness and make Women’s Studies spaces more inclusive.
There should be room in Women’s Studies departments for activism in education as well as theoretical, academic works and people’s own anecdotal experience (though in my opinion the latter should be used more sparingly–while anecdotes are important, and Women’s Studies can be a great place to share them, for learning purposes I think it’s better to focus more on academic research or theory). Also I think it would be interesting to find room for research opportunities in Women’s Studies. While departments can be limiting, I think Women’s Studies still has a lot of room to grow and expand both in content taught and methods of teaching.