Women's and Gender Studies

As an interdisciplinary program of study, Women's and Gender Studies introduces students to the scholarship, literature and creative works on and by women that are transforming the liberal arts and the professions. A concentration in women's studies allows a student to explore the histories and situations of women in different cultural and social contexts. Women's and Gender Studies addresses the myriad ways in which gender difference structures our social relations, cultural values, institutions, academic disciplines, and the production of knowledge. Women's and Gender Studies courses introduce students to ideologies and political theories that have been used over time to explain the natures of women and men and their functions and roles in society. Women's and Gender Studies courses prepare students to utilize traditional and feminist perspectives to analyze gender, sex, and sexuality as biological, psychological, social and cultural phenomena. A Women's and Gender Studies concentration is useful preparation for training in the professions and for postgraduate work in a variety of fields. On a personal level, it enhances the human potential of both women and men by questioning and redefining societal values.

Minor In Women's and Gender Studies
The minor includes 18 credit hours, and requires the introduction to women's studies course, a theory course, and four upper-level courses. A grade of C or better must be earned in each course used to satisfy the requirements for a minor. Courses listed at the lower level may be used to satisfy both the minor and general education requirements; however, upper level courses may not count toward both the major and minor requirements.