Women’s studies courses have been available at UCLA for 30 years, but only in 2008 were we able to finally become the Department of Women’s Studies.  Frankly, I’m amazed it took so long, but also amazed at what we have accomplished, especially in the last few years.  More than 50 students graduate from UCLA with a degree in women’s studies each year, and the number of majors keeps rising… 

In 2000 we admitted our very first graduate students, and now we will shortly see our fifth Ph.D. awarded.  Our doctoral students are researching cutting edge issues around the globe – women’s organizations in Pakistan, Egypt and Malaysia; sustainability in Peru; violence against women in Europe and India; practices in Indonesia and South Africa – and here at home. 

Veteran UCLA faculty have now been made official members of the new Department, and we’ve hired junior scholars of promise. With three full-time faculty,  six shared with other departments, and 10 affiliates, we have grown quickly and been able to add strength in both research and teaching.  Women’s Studies faculty now work in a wide range of scholarly areas -- including slave history in Cuba; Native American women’s writing; educational reform; science studies; gender in Brazil, France, and the Sudan; transnational feminisms; critical race theory and women’s legal issues. 

Our offices in Rolfe Hall are humming with activity – even during the summer -- as our extraordinarily able staff assist undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and lecturers, volunteers and international visitors.   We hope that you too will find what you are looking for in the Department of Women’s Studies, whether that is information, a new learning experience, academic counseling, scholarly exchange, a chance to contribute, or an exciting community to join.  We think women and men today need knowledge and experience that can be used to change the world for the better – and we’re building that world together now.

We do all this in the face of economic crisis, deep and painful budget cuts and the uncertainty these create.  If you can help – with a contribution of your time, your money, or even your extra office supplies – come join us.  Every little bit helps as we face the future of our Department, our University, and our world with confidence, and even optimism.  Can we survive – and even thrive – in the UCLA Department of Women’s Studies?  To borrow a phrase, “Yes, We Can!”

Please visit us soon, in person or on the web.

Christine A. Littleton
Professor of Law & Women’s Studies