While many Canadian universities are changing their women's studies programs into gender studies programs, UPEI is sticking with its label.

'I need to look at both men and women and across races to see what the differences and similarities are.'— Margaret Little, Queens University

The name change is meant to make the courses more appealing to men. The official line at UPEI is the name change is not an issue, and the women's studies department would not comment.

Psychology professor Fiona Papps, who offers four courses that are part of the women's studies program, told CBC News Thursday it is a misconception that women's studies focuses narrowly on women.

"You know, just militant feminists or bashing men — that's not true. It looks at issues of social justice, it looks at issues of sexuality, it looks at issues of race," said Papps.

Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., has decided to change the name of its program. Margaret Little, a political studies professor who teaches in gender studies, is pleased with the change. She believes it better reflects what she does.

"I need to look at both men and women and across races to see what the differences and similarities are," said Little.

"Then I can actually speak much more as an expert about how all women experience welfare and whether all women experience welfare in similar ways or in different ways."

Papps said that many men do take women's studies courses at UPEI, despite the name.