MARCH 1989 News Features U_ THE NATIONAL COLLEGE NEWSPAPER 5 MARCH 1989 * News Features U. THE NATIONAL COLLEGE NEWSPAPER 5 MTyths on genders dispelled for men in women's studies By Jay Casini The Daily Iowan of Iowa For an increasing number of male students at the U. of Iowa (UI), the Women's Studies program is dispelling myths and creating greater under- standing between the genders. Margery Wolf, chairwoman of the UI Women's Studies Program, said male enrollment in the program's courses has grown steadily over the past few years. "I think ... that students here are *ing that diversity is a very important part of their environment," Wolf said. During the fall semester of 1987, male students made up 12.6 percent of the program's students. The number of male students jumped to 15 percent in the spring semester of 1988, and Wolf said early enrollment figures indicate the trend will continue this year. But despite the increase in males par- Wpating in the program, Wolf said any negative myths about women's studies courses persist at the UI. Dave Oosterhuis, a UI freshman, said he enrolled in the program's "Lesbian Lives in the U.S." course because he registered late, but also because he wanted a broadening experience. Oosterhuis said he originally felt an- xious about the class because he had *The word feminism intrigues me in how people react to it. It's almost like saying Marxist or communist, but there is nothing subversive about feminists." - MARGERY WOLF Oard the courses in the Women's De- partment were structured around "feminist propaganda." "I was really afraid of that, and I had a lot of people tell me I'd be torn apart every week for being a male," Oos- terhuis said. UI junior Darrin Jackson, who is now working towards a minor in women's studies, said, "I kind of fell into the prog- n during my freshman year, and 'ere was that initial anxiety because I had already heard stories about women's studies." But instead of the "man-hating feminists" he was told to expect, Jack- son said the people in his first women's studies course, "Lesbian Lives and Cul- ture," made him feel at ease. Jackson credited the course's instructor, Kay drich, with creating an exceptional rning situation. "She was probably the most fair and understanding instructor I have had in the program," he said. "She was grateful that I was ... trying to understand their perspective." Since then, Jackson said he has never experienced a problem with any women's studies courses, and added that the program's objectives remain very clear. 'I've never run across a real bias, .. . but it is understood that the courses are for women teaching about themselves," See WOMEN, Page 23 SSTUDENT OPINION POLL Is purchasing notes for classes unethical? Have you ever purchased them? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! CA LL 1-800-662-5511 Watch for the results of this month's poll in U To give you an opportunity to express your opinions on important campus issues that affect your life, the AT&T STUDENT OPINION POLL will appear in each issue of U. The National College Newspaper. 441 wasnt rubbing it in-I just wanted Eddie to know the score of last nights gamer Go ahead and gloat. You can rub it in all the way to Chicago with AT&T Long Distance Service. Besides, your best friend Eddie was the one who said your team could never win three straight. So give him a call. It costs a lot less than you think to let him know who's headed for the Playoffs. Reach out and touch someone® If you'd like to know more about AT&T products and services, like Intemational Calling and the AT&T Card, call us at 1800 222-0300. ATC . The right choice.