Redeemer introduces SOC 123; a women studies course devoted the betterment of females

In September 2011, Redeemer University College will be offering a women’s studies course (SOC 123), which focuses on culinary skills, party planning, and motherhood.

“We’re really excited about this course; I think it will open up a lot of doors to Redeemer’s female students” says Academic advisor, Betty Smith. Developing the course had been discussed, but it was not until the “hunting and providing” course was introduced for male students in the winter term of 2011, that Redeemer felt it was fair females were offered a program with a direct focus on them.

“I think this course will be a great opportunity to enhance my gifts and teach me valuable life lessons. I’ve always wanted to be able to set a table properly!” says Redeemer student, Alison Thomson.

The course will include field trips to local bakeries and there will be one practica which can be achieved through working at a daycare, hosting a party, or smiling for more than three hours straight. According to the syllabus, “the course objective is to teach female students how to adjust into motherhood and womanhood after graduation. The course will teach important life lessons and enable women to maximize their potential role in the household and surrounding community.”

With manners and nuclear families depleting in today’s society, it is important that students—our future leaders—reclaim their roles as males and females. While some may find this new course offensive, Redeemer feels it is necessary. “It is only offensive because it goes against the mainline opinion. We are not about that, we are focused on creating healthy future families who are dedicated to fulfilling the roles they were created for. It is not sexist either. Men simply provide in a different way than women and we are looking to create a relationship role which enables both partners to provide, in their own way, to the best of their abilities” says Smith.

Other schools, which have already implemented this course, such as Tyndale, say that it has proven to be very successful. The baking rate in school kitchens has gone up by 23.8% and continues to rise. Also, students have been getting married earlier and many are having children by their third or fourth year. A daycare has been opened at the school and everyone seems very happy.

At Trinity Western however, the drop-out rate increased by 13% after introducing the course, and the students who are leaving the school are predominantly female. “Female student’s no longer see the need for university education”, says a critic of the course, “they think they can depend on their husbands for financial provision and do not need to worry about getting a job themselves. This is disastrous to the education world and to young women who once believed they could overcome stereotypes and work in fields they dreamed of. Now, they are refusing to dream beyond what this course has taught them.”

Enrollment for SOC 123 has continued to increase this semester at Redeemer. Only once the course is in action will the effects on its students be clear. Faculty members hope this course will create better parties, communal, and manners for years to come.