Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

We are an interdisciplinary major and minor that helps prepare students for living in a diverse and global society—by examining how the social construction of gender shapes personal identities, beliefs, and structured opportunities. In a range of courses, the women and men who enroll in our courses will systematically analyze the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and social class.

Programs of Study

As an interdisciplinary program, Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSW) focuses on students integrating the skills taught across the liberal arts, and expects its majors to engage in both critical and creative thinking.

About the Major Couse Offering

Undergraduate

Major

This major helps prepare students for living in a diverse and global society by examining how the social construction of gender shapes personal identities, beliefs, and structured opportunities.

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Minor

The minor is very flexible and complements many majors. The minor requires 18 credit hours (six courses) distributed as: a required introductory course (3 credit hours) and 5 additional courses (15 credit hours).

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Face Current Issues
Impact Campus

Learn About Current Issues

The curriculum examines a range of issues across both national and international contexts. This includes gendered violence, sexual harassment, queer theory, inequality, social justice, power dynamics and human interaction. The analytical skills students acquire in the study of gender and society can be applied beyond the campus to other activities and eventually to their professional careers.

Group of students walking in front of the Administration Building with Rodman Hall in the background in the spring

Connected Throughout Campus

On campus, our program collaborates with other University and student groups on special events and lectures. Examples of events include Take Back the Night, Cultural Awareness lecturers, and the Women’s Lives speaker series.