Women's Studies is a growing interdisciplinary field that brings the perspective of gender, along with a consideration of class, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, and physical ability to bear on a host of intellectual problems and issues of current concern. Women's Studies questions taken-for-granted ideas about both women and men, and encourages critical thinking across the disciplines, with particular reference to women's contributions to art, history, politics, family life, science, literature, and other cultural domains. Students investigate challenges women face all over the world in areas such as the environment, culture & the media, health, violence, and the economy, and consider the implications of these studies for devising solutions to pressing problems both at home and abroad. Classes are usually small and encourage discussion. Writing, research, and communication skills that are necessary for students' careers are emphasized.