The impact of women's studies courses on college students of the 1990s

Abstract

This study assessed the personal impact ofwomen's studies courses for college students of the1990s. The sample consisted of 124 women and 41 menenrolled in courses at a medium-sized Midwesternuniversity. Of a sample totaling 165 participants, 138reported that they were white caucasians, whereas 27self-classified as an ethnic minority. Comparisons weremade between the responses of students enrolled in women's studies courses versus those enrolledin content courses that did not emphasize diversityissues. Changes detected were a more progressive genderrole orientation and an increased locus of control. These changes were similarly experienced byboth men and women enrolled in women's studiescourses.