Diane Grossman

Professor

Diane Grossman received her Ph.D. in Philosophy from New York University, where she was an Ida Parker Bowne Scholar. She is a Professor of Women's & Gender Studies and Philosophy, Chair of the Philosophy Department, and Director of the Honors Program. Grossman has served Simmons as Chair of both departments, as Director of Academic Advising, and as Associate Dean and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She is the author of Existentialism and the Philosophical TraditionLooking at Gay and Lesbian Life, and numerous articles and essays on ethics, feminist theory, and cultural studies. Her areas of specialization are Continental philosophy, feminist theory and applied ethics.

Education

  • Ph.D., New York University

Courses

  • PHIL 120 Introduction to Philosophy: The Big Questions
  • PHIL 130 Ethics
  • PHIL 131 Biomedical Ethics
  • PHIL 232 Theories of Justice
  • PHIL 242 Making of the Modern Mind
  • PHIL 245 Existentialism
  • PHIL 332 Law and Philosophy
  • PHIL 390 Seminar
  • WGST 111 Introduction to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies
  • WGST 211 Gender and Sexuality
  • WGST 354 Feminist Theories
  • WGST 380 Gender and Queer Theory
  • GCS 403 Cultural Theory

Research/Creative Activities

Dreaming Big: What's Gender Got to Do With It? Phase II

Dreaming Big II expands upon a project begun two years ago that studied middle school girls’ and boys’ attitudes toward careers and their futures, including adult influences, the significance of gendered messaging, and differences between girls and boys and between girls and Girl Scout girls. 

Learn more about Dreaming Big

Diane Grossman in the News

April Ryan holding 2023 Gwen Ifill Next Generation Award posing with President Wooten and group of women

Simmons Honors White House Correspondent April Ryan at Ifill Forum

On the afternoon of February 11, the Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities hosted its fourth Ifill Forum. This event honors the legacy of pioneering journalist Gwen Ifill '77, '93HD by bringing together "important national voices for a...


Headshot of Spela Trefalt

Fixing the "Broken Rung" on the Career Ladder with Professor Špela Trefalt

Professor Špela Trefalt tells us about her upcoming “Coach Approach to Leadership” course and what we can learn by researching the struggles and successes of working women.


Shout-outs from Students and Alums

Madison Poshkus ’22, ’23MPP

Madison Poshkus ’22, ’23MPP Completes Barbara Lee Foundation Fellowship

During her senior year as a Political Science major at Simmons, Madison Poshkus '21 '23MPP worked as an intern at the Massachusetts State House as part of Simmons' Barbara Lee Fellowship program. Sponsored by the Barbara Lee Foundation, the Fellowship...