Women’s studies course planned

Press, 2 June 1989, Page 11

Women’s studies course planned

PA Auckland A women’s studies programme is planned for Auckland University, 15 years after the concept was first raised by students.

Auckland is the only university not already offering a co-ordinated focus for women, apart from the agricultural Lincoln College. The proposal has been supported in principle by the arts faculty and a formal outline — expected to push for a full department — will be put forward soon.

If approved, the programme would be launched in 1991 and give students the opportunity to complete a bachelor of arts major in women’s studies. Both Victoria and Waikato Universities are putting through their first

B.A. major students this year and Otago will launch a similar programme in 1990. Massey has a postgraduate diploma in the field and Canterbury introduced a feminist studies programme last year.

An associate professor of history, Professor Raewyn Dalziel, says the “Planning For Life” report on the restructuring of tertiary institutions puts strong emphasis on equity.

“Universities have a great responsibility to women and although Auckland has lagged behind, the time is right.”

A sociology lecturer, Dr Maureen Molloy, said the demand from students was strong and the material available justified a central structure.