1. The Invention of Women's Studies -- 2. The Foundations of Interdisciplinarity -- 3. Intersectionality and Difference: Race, Class, and Gender -- 4. Global Agendas -- 5. Women's Studies and the Question of Gender -- 6. Feminist Theories and Methods -- 7. Embodiment and Sexuality -- 8. Classrooms, Controversies, and Citizenship -- 9. The Future of Women's Studies in Our Information Age.;Women's Studies: The Basics is an accessible introduction into the ever expanding and increasingly relevant field of studies focused on women. Tracing the history of the discipline from its origins, this text sets out the main agendas of women's studies and feminism, exploring the global development of the subject over time, and highlighting its relevance in the contemporary world. Reflecting the diversity of the field, core themes include: the interdisciplinary nature of women's studies; Core feminist theories and the feminist agenda; Issues of intersectionality: women, race, class and gender; Women, sexuality and the body; Global perspectives on the study of women; The relationship between women's studies and gender studies. Providing a firm foundation for all those new to the subject, this book is valuable reading for undergraduates and postgraduates majoring in women's studies and gender studies, and all those in related disciplines seeking a helpful overview for women-centred, subject specific courses.