The all-too-common conception of a women's studies class runs something like this: 20 or so men-hating women sitting around a table, complaining about oppression, and maybe watching the movie "Thelma and Louise."

But like all women's studies classes, the reality of Women's Studies 111, otherwise known as "I Like Ike but I Love Lucy: Women, Popular Culture, and the 1950's," defies the negative stereotype.

Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures Alice Jardine makes even the most intimidated of men feel welcome in her class.

When there appeared to be no empty seats left last Monday, an enthusiastic Jardine rushed into the doorway inviting lost-looking students into the room.

"The classes are intended for everybody. It's really a course offered to anyone who wants to take it," Jardine said, adding that all women's studies courses are open to everyone, not merely concentrators--or women.

The class is something different for Jardine, whose primary focus is post-World War II French literature. "It's new material," she said. "I have taken certain theoretical approaches on the post-war era, and focused them on the United States rather than on France."

Loving Lucy

"I Like Ike but I Love Lucy" is one of a few cultural studies courses offered by the University, and the approach and style of the course has convinced many students that more cross-disciplinary classes are needed.

The size of the class certainly attests to this. Although the course has only been offered once before, students have swarmed to it.

The class switched rooms early on to accomodate its high enrollment, and now meets in Sever 203.

Still, there is barely enough room to seat all of its 54 students.

Despite its size, Jardine still attempts to run the class like a seminar. Even though students are seated in a circle, numbers prohibit a completely discussion-oriented class.

Still, students praise her effort to move away from traditional lecture format.

"I think it's very relaxed, even though it's a very large class," said Melissa E. Swift '98.

Elvis Lives in Women's Studies 111