by Danielle Katz ‘18

For the first time in Sherwood’s history, a course entitled Women’s Studies will be introduced in the 2016-2017 school year. The class, created by social studies teacher Beth Shevitz, aims to educate students on prevalent gender issues.

From introductory lessons on the history of patriarchy to debates on the effects of the sex industry, the course strives to investigate topics usually only shown as an afterthought in a curriculum and bring them into the spotlight. Students will have the ability to voice their opinions on topics considered controversial, or even taboo.

Shevitz was greatly motivated to create this course after years of working with and observing high-level and AP students, mostly female, who, despite having excellent academic records, did not think they were good enough to apply to the universities they wanted to attend as well as having an overall low self-confidence.

“I am repeatedly frustrated by comments such as ‘it’s too hard’ or ‘I can’t do that’ by female straight-A students,” said Shevitz.

After years of making this observation and researching the MCPS course catalog and seeing no courses that would empower female students and teach relevant topics relating to gender studies, Shevitz drafted a proposal to Principal Bill Gregory, which later made its way to the Board of Education. She gained approval and began writing the curriculum.

By promoting it during this current school year to her current students, the word spread, and by the time course registration was over, Shevitz was able to gain enough interest to run the class for one period each semester. In addition to the introductory unit regarding the history of patriarchy and term definition, the other units will consist of Women’s Health, Women and the Media; Women and Human Rights; and Exceptional Women.

Students will read articles on current obstacles women face and have debates based on the readings of opposing viewpoints. This curriculum includes the importance of the media’s messages through analyzing pop culture and its references to deeper meanings. Students can also expect to analyze song lyrics for references to gender inequalities and debate whether certain ideas or phrases in pop culture are degrading or have evolved to be empowering to women.

Shevitz has explored ideas of local field trips for her class, including a self-defense class at a martial arts studio in Olney, as well as the women’s exhibit at the Arts and American History Museum.

Although the course focuses on differences between idealizations of men and women over time, Shevitz encourages boys to take the class. “Male students should take the class because this is not at all a man-bashing class. These are issues women are facing every day and if there is a woman in your life, then these issues will affect you,” she said.

As the only school in the entire county currently running a course like this, Shevitz encourages all students to take advantage of this unique opportunity. For more information about the class, Shevitz can be contacted via e-mail or can be visited in her classroom, H141.