Are you bored? Has your once-quirky-informed-girlboss-poli-sci major become too mainstream? Well never fear, the college has announced the development of several new concentrations to be launched in the fall. Among the many new majors, minors, and course selections are the following:
Cottagecore (Major)
“Sourdough as a Political Statement” In this course, we will explore the resurgence of sourdough bread as more than just a pandemic pastime, examining its cultural implications as a symbol of anti-capitalist consumption, environmental awareness, and as an economic indicator. Students will wear little hand-embroidered half aprons and sniff sourdough starters while critically analyzing the political and economic forces at play in the rise and fall of the bread revolution.
“The Ethics of Fiber Arts Within Polycule Dynamics” This class investigates the intersection of traditional fiber arts and their role within non-traditional relationship structures. Students will debate the ethical implications of crafting as a form of emotional labor, considering issues of care, consent, and the cultural significance of handmade gifts in polyamorous contexts.
“Barnraising for the 21st Century: The Trader Joe’s Dilemma” This seminar explores the ethical implications of slowing down and setting up shop in bustling urban areas. Using Portland (both ME and WA) as small-scale case studies, we will interrogate all factors that go into making a barnhouse a barnhome. Please note this course will also be taught in the Spring under the name Gentrifying 301.
Manic Pixie Dream Girl Studies (Minor)
“Manic Pixie Dream They? Gender Inclusivity in Popular Archetypes” Mania comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Dive into the subversion and reinvention of the classic MPDG archetype through a gender-inclusive lens. We’ll discuss how contemporary media has expanded and deconstructed the MPDG trope, examining its intersection with trans, non-binary, and gender- fluid identities in today’s day and age.
“The aerodynamics of your hair blowing through his car window” Newton’s laws of motion can be applied to more than just apples. In this course, discover the equations needed to maximize volume and wisp to your daily hair care. Not frizzy, but windswept: Learn the language needed to entangle your non committal semi romantic platonic relationship boyfriend in the luscious hot pink locs of your hair.
Wellesley College (Major)
“Tuition Raising for Dummies” Profit over people.
“Renovation Timelines— Need We Stick to Them?” A critical look at the intersection of academia, architecture, and chaos theory. This course investigates the often delayed and contentious renovations happening on college campuses, with a particular focus on the Clapp Library Renovation. How do under- construction facilities help contribute to the so-called “Wellesley Experience?” Are deadlines just a silly little joke now? Are they?
“We are a Boston School: Dumb Borders and Other Geographic Fallacies” In this course, we explore the common misconceptions about Wellesley’s location, from the “we’re practically Boston” rhetoric to the cultural divide between suburban and urban identities. We will look at how geographic identity influences student life, family reunion narratives, and convincing that guy at the frat door that you literally go to school like 20 minutes away and you come here like, all the time.
Tatte (Minor)
“Studying or Slacking? The Art of Getting Nothing Done in a Cafe” Examine the paradox of productivity in public spaces, with a particular focus on cafes. This course will analyze how the Tatte experience has become a modern ritual of procrastination, self-reflection, and networking, asking the question, “ Is the act of pretending to study in a trendy café a form of productivity in itself?”Also counts as French 101.
“How to Boycott When Croissant Just So Damn Good” This seminar explores the delicate art of maintaining your morals while indulging in yummy yummy $26 pleasures. Students will learn the techniques for navigating the tensions between political activism and indulgent consumption — especially when it comes to high-quality pastries. Discussions will focus on whether or not you actually need that shakshuka today (the answer is yes).
“To Uber or Not to Uber? Poetics of Walking Short Distances” This course will analyze the socio-economic, environmental, and cultural factors that influence our transportation choices, while considering the mindfulness and aesthetic beauty of simply walking 20 minutes to Linden Square. In this class, you will learn the art of the cost/ benefit analysis. You’ll walk away with a portfolio filled with how much money you’ve spent on sub-15-minute ride shares and food delivery apps this month.
WGST + (Major)
“Stem in the real world” Dedicated to the study of the past, present, and future of the stud/fem archetype. Does not fulfill natural sciences lab requirement.
“From Hockey Bro to Homo: Anthropology of the mullet” A rigorous anthropological study of the mullet hairstyle’s journey from blue-collar worker chic to its resurgence in queer culture. This course asks deep questions about the intersection of gender, fashion, and identity, such as, “since when did gay men start dressing like lesbians?
“Gaydar Data Analysis” This M F class W lab is all about the numbers. While fulfilling your DQ requirement, we will learn and apply metrics and quantifiable methods to answer the question: “Is she gay or does she just dress like that?” Fulfills data literacy requirement
