Fresno state pioneered class in women's studies

By Erika Lindquist

The first course on female artists to be taught in the United States was right here at Fresno State, taught by artist Judy Chicago in 1970—it marked the beginning of the Women’s Studies program here.

Chicago’s women’s art students rented and rebuilt a workspace downtown now called Gallery 25, a gallery established by women who studied with Chicago Women’s Studies professor Janet Slagter said.

Four years ago, a major in Women’s Studies was approved for the first time with the help of Dr. Susan Arpad, who retired in 2001.

But what do you do with a degree in Women’s Studies?

Graduates have jobs in women’s centers and women’s correctional facilities. Others get into counseling or social work, said Karen Lowe, the department’s administrative assistant.

These graduates receive training applicable to many fields since Women’s Studies classes provide knowledge about diverse populations and community involvement.

“ Classes focus on race, class and sexual orientation as well as gender,” Slagter said. Graduates also “frequently work in programs directed at changing policies affecting women and providing services to women,” she said.

Since the first course on women artists began, courses in aging, literature, critical thinking, history, feminism, sex role stereotypes, rape, assertiveness training, family, domestic violence, gay/lesbian studies, International women and many other subjects have been added as part of the Women’s Studies program.