WGS Program Overview
The study of women has been part of the GVSU curriculum since 1973 when courses were taught in the College of Arts and Sciences and in William James College. The minor in Women's Studies was approved in 1986 and the first Women's Studies minor graduated in 1988. In 1997, the program was significantly expanded to include the study of gender. Women and Gender Studies became a major in 2006. In fall of 2013, a new minor in LGBTQ Studies was launched. With the study of sexuality added to curriculum, the program name was changed to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) in 2015. The WGS Department is housed in the Brooks School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Feminism in the Backlash
For the 2024-2025 academic year, WGS will be coordinating and hosting a series of events called “Feminism in the Backlash”, inspired by Susan Faludi’s classic Backlash: The Undeclared War Against Women. For this series, we will be hosting speakers, workshops, and conversations with campus and community members. This series is generously sponsored by a Mellon Foundation Affirming Multivocal Humanities grant.
Winter 2025:
Wednesday, January 29th 11:30-1 pm Kirkhof Center room 2215/16 with Dr. Sally Kenney
Thursday, February 20th 6-8 pm Library Multipurpose Room
Thursday, April 17th 6-8 pm Kirkhof Center Pere Marquette Room
Complete The WGS Minor Online
The WGS minor is now available in completely asynchronous, online format!
Students complete a minimum of 21 credits.
The minor pairs well with majors such as: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public and Nonprofit Administration, and Legal Studies.
The minor can help prepare students for careers in: health care, non-profits, government, law, higher education, business, journalism, and human services work with youth and adults.
Alumni and Friends of WGS
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As part of our commitment to sustainability, WGS decided to highlight Chica Bean Coffee which empowers women through economic, educational, and practical support. Chica Bean coffee is produced and roasted by women using eco-friendly practices in rural Guatemala. Their practices allow them to deliver amazing coffee while the producers are paid just prices that benefit the entire community. Check out more about Chica Bean here!
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Continuing with our commitment to sustainability, we are also highlighting GentleDaisySoapCo which is a local, women-owned business. GentleDaisySoapCo produces handmade soaps, candles, and more. Check out more about GentleDaisySoapCo here!