I think it depends on how you market it. if it was like home ec where you could cook or fix things, fine, those are useful skills.. but have it open to both sexes. having a women's only class is plain old ridiculous. you know, I don't like cooking, and I don't like doing dishes, so my boyfriend does. I guess I'm just not marriage material then.

I wouldn't be offended and I would definetly sign up, BUT only if they were open to men too! I expect my husband to be just as domestic as me seeing as how we will both have jobs and all. I am a career woman lol

First of all I think homes nowadays have at least two full time working parents so theres no time for such classes. and secondly, you learn these things on the job! it seems a waste of time and money for someone to teach you how to iron and whatnot when you'll have to do it on your own before then. and I agree that both parents should learn how to do everything for the kids, not just one person having all the responsibility.

It's not mandatory, just something available for those who want it? Go for it.

I'd sign up. I have absolutely no skills in those areas and could use some instruction. Although actually I can cook quite well, I just don't like to most of the time. But organizing the house, laundry, cleaning, etc? Yeah. I need that.

I just read most of the article, and I have to say that the school they describe is most definitely not one where I would be happy.

However, I do think that classes on practical life skills would be great. I just would not ever consider making them "women only" or justifying them by bible passages.

It's always amazing to see perspectives on life that are so far different from my own. It's cool that they are allowed to do their thing and I'm allowed to do mine.

I think that if you don't call it a housewife class and maybe more like 'how to not fail living on your own' or something like that... and i think that men should take it. there are some friends i have, i love them dearly, but when they moved out on their own, they were driving themselves into debt bc they ate out all the time, or hired people to come and clean and that stuff. I would take a class like that to learn more efficient ways to clean, and maybe some laundry tips..but i'd also want my boyfriend to sign up too...bc its not just a woman's job to cook/clean/launder.

I would sign up! I totally want to bring out my domestic goddess!

I don't think it's right for it to be expected of women to join this class to be better wives/mothers. What about husbands/ fathers? I think men need more help than women do! If I ever got sick and couldn't get out of bed or (God forbid) was in the hospital. My husband would go bonkers, my mother would be over here helping him or he would be asking me questions every five minutes!

Go to college to get a degree to be a housewife? to me is a joke and the fact that it is not open to men is sexist. But you all carry on.....

I would sign up too!
I don't want to look old fashion or anything but I do think that women need to know certian things. Dn't get me wrong - men should too - but the way I see thigns women are more "housewifish" then men.
I do most of the cooking, cleaning, and laundry...my man does help...but he does thigns like pay for dinner, pay for concert tickets, pay for movies. Those kinds of things!
I think when I do thigns around the house, he appriciets having me around more!
P.S. he loves when I bake too!

Btw, Dear Sugar, this was on the news during the early summer and it is not a class, they are offering a degree on how to be a better housewife for women. The chancellor or whatever it is at the school rationalized this degree by saying something to the effect that they know that women want to go to college and want to serve their men and households so this is the best of both worlds. I about puked.

If it was open to men also, maybe. My middle school Family and Consumer Sciences class was both genders and we had lots of fun cooking and sewing together.

However, I already know how to do laundry and bake chocolate chip cookies (you buy them in the brick, right? lol). So what's the point of me taking this class? If someone doesn't like the way I do it, TOUGH BEANS.

Right on, vanyvrgs.

The purpose of this degree is to teach women how to be housewives and submit to the leadership of their husbands. This is not a "life skills" or "home economics" type of thing. This grows out of what these people consider to be the "biblical role" of women: mainly, to be a 'helper' to their husband and follow his lead and to take joy in serving their husbands and children.

DearSugar, the reason why only a handful of women have signed up for this major is because the school that offers it is a seminary that teaches mostly men. The women there are mostly spouses of the male students and they make up a very small number of the total student population.

I find it extremely sexist that it is not open to men. I would never sign up for a class like this how dumb. How to get a stain out, try stain stick dumb ass!

Umm.. No! This is not 1950. I do agree about giving men some lessons though. I had to go out of town for week for work and my husband was left to do the laundry and lets just say we had to go buy him some new clothes.

Oh Lordy, i would never take this particular class!

However, i agree with most everyone else that if it were open to both sexes and was a common-sense "how to do things around the house" course, i'd totally take it! I'd hope that it would be full of tips on how to get rid of household dirt, shortcuts in cooking and cleaning, and the proper way to iron and wash clothes. I already know how to do these things but i'm sure there are better ways to do it and i'd be open to new methods.

I'm not the least bit interested in the class/major, but I'm not going to judge someone who is. There are womens studies classes offered at my college that were for women only on the grounds that women would feel more comfortable expressing their opinions on feminism and patriarchy in the company of women. If that's allowed, why not this...? Just because you don't agree with the topic, doesn't mean they don't have the right to teach and learn what they personally believe in.

And BTW, feminism is supposed to be about opportunity and choices for women. If you only want to allow women opportunities that you personally believe appropriate and empowering for women, then how different are you from a garden variety chauvinist, really?

i like the idea but not the restriction to only women. i would take the class. as a matter of fact i wish they had this in high school! i would be a lot less confused in my 20's trying to figuar this stuff out. my mother tryed to teach me but no dice. if it was a class i would of had to learn.

I would take it in a heart beat!

"And BTW, feminism is supposed to be about opportunity and choices for women. If you only want to allow women opportunities that you personally believe appropriate and empowering for women, then how different are you from a garden variety chauvinist, really?"

Agreed. It's not saying it's a required class for all women, it's for WOMEN WHO WANT it to be their life's work. If a woman wants her life work/experience to center around homemaking, what's wrong with that?

Now, would their particular Biblical teaching apply to my own Catholic beliefs? Doubtful. But that doesn't make it offensive in general.

Jennifer, good point on women's studies classes, I am surprised your college only has it open to women, back in the day when I was in college I took some women studies classes and they were open to men -- no man would show up there (hell once we had a guy who was in our class for like 20 minutes but I digress). Must be a private religious institution and at that they may face a legal challenge but I digress again. I do not think anyone is saying that if there is a class about home economics that it should not exist -- the point is that this is a degree by a school that does not hide that they believe that women should serve men and be solely housewifes as it is God's plan and these women show up there to go to school for 4 years not to be prepared to do anything else but do their husband's laundry and cook for him -- if ever they need to be independent.

I think two classes should be part of every high school curriculum, for both genders, as graduation requirements, even: basic home ec (cooking, sewing, laundry, budgeting), and basic home and auto maintenance (plumbing, wiring, tire rotation, oil change, etc.). By the time you get to college, you should already know how to do most of these things, and by making them required for both genders you head off any accusations of sexism. Besides, I think a break from all the harping about standardized testing might be nice for our poor high school students.

There's no question that a lot of people aren't learning a lot of these basic life skills when they're young, either because their parents are too busy to teach them or they themselves are too busy to learn. There's also no question that perhaps some classes at local community colleges might fill this need, since I doubt most high schools are going to change their curricula any time soon. But this particular major at this particular college is clearly not designed to fill this need, and it kind of rubs me the wrong way.

Jennifer, that's exactly the point- if women are being taught that their only station in life is to serve their husbands and that this is biblically ordained, then they don't have a "choice," do they? They are being taught that their choices are subservient housewife or eternal d*mnation.

I wouldn't be offended. Some women just want to be a housewife and take care of their husbands and be in that traditional role. I think it's wonderful if someone wants to do that. I'm sure a man would like to learn some of these things and a class like this would be beneficial for them, too.

vanvrgs - They had an entire Womens Studies college at my school. *Some* classes were open only to women on the grounds I stated above. Most classes were open to any and all.

facin8me - It's a completely voluntary class. By definition, it's a choice. This is not a cult, and there are lots of people who reject the religious principals taught to them. Women who choose to buy into these beliefs are making a choice, just as you and I are by rejecting them.

I would not be offended, these type of things don't bother me much. I think my mother would love to sign me up for something like this. She thinks the key to finding a good hubby is to know how to cook and clean (She's a bit old school Eastern European!). I can't learn from her because we both get frustrated and she decides she'd rather do things herself. So taking a class with a third party and similarly inept people (men or women, matters not) would be great!

I would be interested in courses like that, however, calling them "housewife classes" and leaving them open to women only is sexist. Why can't men be interested and open to taking these courses too?

Everything about this college makes me sick.

I think home ec classes are great and everyone should take them, but not in college. These are skills that both sexes should have aqcuried long before they're college age.

I can see some need for courses like this in today's world, but it should be open to both sexes. I like the idea of people actually learning how to take care of a home properly, to cook, and be ready for children, but I don't see it as a role that's women-only territory. I don't want to sound narrow minded or completely against religion, but in a time when we're fighting for equality between the sexes, it's something like this that will set us back again.

I had to take either art, home ec or cooking in high school and that was in the '80s. I ended up taking cooking from age 12-15 and looking back, I'm really glad I did. I can cook and am not afraid to experiment with food. That means I can make healthy (sometimes!) food at home and not have to eat out or order in all the time.

However, open it up to men as well. Unless they're getting married straight out of school, they have to fend for themselves as well. Plus they should learn what it takes to actually cook meals seven days a week.

Depends on what the class really means and how it's marketed. But as it appears from what's stated, I just laugh at the lunacy. Religious fruitcakes are amusing if not consistent.

But in general, if it wasn't marketed as such a nutty class like it is here, I think it could be fun to take a "learn to be Martha Stewart" type class. ClassicsDiva also mentioned an auto class - I definitely need to take that class as well, to learn the basics about a car.

i wouldn't mind taking one of those classes. i'm in my 30s and have been living by myself for over 10 years and i still don't know how to take care of myself. in fact, the only food items have in my house are: milk, coffee, cereal and snacks. i do know how to wash my clothes and dishes, i just usually can't be bothered to cook. it is kind of stupid that it's not open to men. i'm sure there are tons of guys out there living by themselves in pretty much the same state, and they could benefit from these classes too.

"Now, would their particular Biblical teaching apply to my own Catholic beliefs? Doubtful. But that doesn't make it offensive in general."

Greggie, That made me giggle. My husband is Catholic & I am not. We were trying to find a church home that sort of met in the middle. Our close friends were going to a big Southern Baptist church, so we tried it out for a while. About the third weekend in, my husband went to one of their "men-only" seminars. He came home & said that they stressed the man being the boss (leader) & the wife is the follower. We kept going, knowing that we didn't have to agree with everything, but there were so many other things that kept us from staying, one being a scathing sermon on the Catholic religion. I was more angry than my husband was. Needless to say, we knew then that that wasn't the church home for us & we haven't been back there since.

I read the article. It brings back memories, especially the "Biblical Model for the Home and Family" teach that God expects wives to graciously submit to their husbands' leadership." line. My grandmother was Southern Baptist. Once, I asked her why she never entertained thoughts of a boyfriend or husband after my grandfather died (in his 50's). She said, "Now, why would I want to have to look after another baby?" (She also had five children, which she made sure to teach how to clean, cook, & pick up after themselves. One of them was my father, thank God.) She was a smart lady. My other grandmother lived the same life, with a husband & nine kids. She said she just wanted to outlive my grandfather by one day! Unfortunately, she did not.

Popgoestheworld, I completely agree with your statement, "It's always amazing to see perspectives on life that are so far different from my own. It's cool that they are allowed to do their thing and I'm allowed to do mine."

It's unfortunate that their class is not open to men, but that is just not their way. Fortunately, my mother taught me how to be self sufficient in the sewing, cleaning, & cooking departments, so I don't need this "degree". I would totally like to send my husband, though. His most ridiculous statement, to get out of housework once, was "I don't know how to mop." Yes, I promptly taught him how to mop!

Jeesh, my post got really long! Oh well!

Remedios, I'm with you on the auto class. I hate having to depend on my husband for that type of stuff! All I know how to do is check the dip-stick oil thing!

Yuck. If it was about more than just the housewife stuff I might consider a class or two, but not a whole degree. It would be really useful if it taught things like repairing a dishwasher, plumbing, auto care and maintenance, painting, writing, budgeting and just about everything it takes to run a house. There's more to being a housewife than cooking and laundry. If/when I am ever a stay-at-home wife I want to know how to build things, fix things, and write.

I completely disagree with the focus of this course/degree. This seminary is near my hometown (Dallas-the school is in Ft. Worth), and I was raised Southern Baptist. The man who took over as president has slowly been trying to make the school more conservative and fundamentalist than most Baptists would ever care to be (and what the school already was to begin with). From what I understand, he has even tried to change the rules so that women cannot take certain classes (like pastoral classes), and that they would all be required to wear dresses/skirts when on campus. I think basically, he's slowly trying to phase women out of the school. His name is Paige Patterson, should you want to look him up.
It's a shame that the perception people have of Baptists is one of close-mindedness, and backwards thinking, but unfortunately, most of the public leaders in this denomination express those sorts of views (and honestly, a lot of Baptists live up to them). Please keep in mind-not all are like that-just the incredibly vocal ones! lol
I agree that learning certain aspects of maintaining a household are useful to know, but I agree with what a lot of you said about opening the class up to men as well. It's refreshing to know that there were some male students there who recognized that need, and spoke up about it. We ALL need help in maintaining a home-it's a huge responsibility!

I'm all for free choice as long as it's not hurting anybody, but I'm not sure how much of a free choice someone has if they're indoctrinated from birth to pretty much be slaves and incubators. In order to choose, you have to be aware of something different from what you're doing, and I'm not sure that's the case with some fundamentalist religious groups.

I like tips about how to do household things better, but that's what the internet is for, not a four-year degree. Like someone said before, technical skills is not the point of the degree anyway. It's more about learning how to be a "Godly housewife", whatever that means.

No thanks..

It's not an offensive class, but the name could be changed to something more gender neutral like Home Economics.

Women have the right to chose to be in the class which is why only 8 out of 300 undergrads signed up for it. I will say though that I feel those 8 are in it for the easy A and three credits toward graduation.

There should be more classes like this for men if they are going to be keeping on for women.

Sign me up please. I would love to quit my job and spend my time cooking, gardening, and lounging. A woman does not have to bring home $$ or have a stale meaningless corporate career to be empowered. We can do it in much more subversive ways

I don't find it offensive, as long as it's not mandatory, and sure, I'd love it if my husband passed that class!!

Poor housewives! Everyone thinks they're less than zero. Chin up, little homemakers. I wish I had a handy-capable wife of my own. I'd respect you.

sign me up! i want to learn how to make yummy cookies and get stains out. Maybe it should be called "basic home skills" and be open to ALL people. It sounds practical though!

What about the men who see it as their lifework to stay at home and be a father to their children, so that their children do not have to deal with absent parents, as they did? How come it is only acceptable to be a stay at home mom, when there are more women in careers than ever before? I do not clean, period. Cooking responsibilities are always shared, because we enjoy it, but homemaking? I'm definately not the one to do it.
I heard this particular story a couple of months ago. And, I personally would not take ANY courses at a university that finds it inappropriate for men to be taught by women. Did they not just recently fire a female professor due to that very thing? We had HomeEc and Nutrition and Food Science in my High School, of which I took advantage of along with my 2 years of Culinary Arts, but (gasp) men were allowed to take the classes as well.

Hell no...when is it that women are going to actually take being OUTSIDE of the house just as serious?? If one chooses to be a housewife, that is their deal but I hate this idea. NOT for me!!

I would sign up! I love being domestic, and I want to be a housewife someday ♥

I have to admit its a little offensive on its gender basis. But if it would help me learn skills to better myself and my future family I dont see why not. However should be available to both men and women and not mandatory for either sex.

I would sign up for the class but not to become a "domestic housewife". Ive been living on my own for a while now and I just recently learned some vital laundry tips from my boyfriend (meanwhile I taught him how to make some tasty chilaquilles). I think that both men and women could benefit from classes like these, hopefully they will realize that and open up the classes to everyone.

no i don't need that classes