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2018-2019 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Requirements for a Major in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Students majoring in women, gender, and sexuality studies are required to complete at least 30 credit hours, including Introduction to Gender Studies, Foundations of Feminism, Women and Gender Studies Research Methods, Global Feminisms, and the Capstone. Students must also take four electives at the 200-level or higher, one of which must come from the high impact/civic engagement emphasis. The required courses are:

High Impact/Civic Engagement Emphasis: Civic engagement has long been a core value in the field of women, gender, and sexuality studies, reflecting the field's deep roots in activism. The high impact/civic engagement courses offer students the opportunity to engage in reflective application of theory through direct engagement with community partners or through developing a vision and a strategy for social justice activism.

Electives

For the remaining four electives, students can choose from a wide range of WGS courses within WGS, courses cross-listed with other departments, and others approved for meeting program requirements. These courses include:

Other courses that have significant content devoted to the study of women, gender, and/or sexuality during a particular semester may also be counted toward the major on an individual case basis with department chair approval.

B.A. or B.S. Degree Requirements

Candidates for the B.A. degree must demonstrate third semester proficiency in a foreign language, either by completing successfully a 201-level language course or by passing a proficiency examination. Candidates for the B.S. degree must complete one of the following tracks:

Track One:

  • Women and Gender Studies Research Methods (WGS 395)
  • College Algebra (MTH 122) or Calculus 1 (MTH 201)
  • Problem Solving Using Spreadsheets (CIS 231)

Track Two:

  • Women and Gender Studies Research Methods (WGS 395)
  • Introductory Applied Statistics (STA 215)

AND one of the following:

Double Major

A double major in women, gender, and sexuality studies and another disciplinary area of study carries many advantages for students with multiple interests. Students are encouraged to meet with their WGS faculty advisor to explore options for double majors or additional minors that align well with their academic and career interests.

Study Abroad

Students interested in women, gender, and sexuality studies are encouraged to seek study abroad experience in programs that examine issues of gender and its relationship to economics, political movements, society, and empowerment.

WGS faculty currently facilitate a study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa which combines academic curriculum with service to the community. Participants examine how issues such as reproductive health, education, violence, political representation, and Apartheid have intersected to impact the role of women within various societal and class structures. Students participate in several academic and engaging excursions in and around Cape Town and Johannesburg as well.

For more information about opportunities to study women, gender, and/or sexuality abroad, students should contact the women, gender, and sexuality studies program and the Padnos International Center.

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

First Year

Second Year

  • General education - Foundations (four courses)
  • One foreign language course (B.A. candidates)
  • One approved course that focuses on mathematics, statistics, quantitative reasoning or scientific analysis (B.S. candidates)
  • WGS 360 - Foundations of Feminism (3 credits)
  • WGS elective

Third Year

Fourth Year

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program Description

Click here for the program description.


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