Gender studies courses focus upon gender identity and gendered representation as central categories of analysis. Gender studies uses the concept of gender to analyze a wide range of disciplines. Although many lines of argumentation in gender studies are inspired by feminism, a broad variety of theoretical approaches are used to study the categories of gender. Gender studies includes women's studies, men's studies, and gay and lesbian studies.
All gender studies majors must take Introduction to Gender Studies (GndS 100), Senior Seminar and Thesis Preparation (GndS 490), and Thesis (GndS 497 or 498). Gender studies majors must complete at least twenty-eight additional credits; at least twelve of these additional credits must be at the 300-400 level. Students will work closely with an adviser to select courses which meet the following two criteria: At least one course must be taken in each of the following four areas: theory (e.g., Pol 157, Pol 328, Phil 235), history (e.g., Hist 300, Hist 325, Clas 140), social sciences (e.g., Anth 358, Pol 357, Psyc 239, Soc 258), humanities (e.g., ArtH 329, Rel 358, RFS 240). See the list of courses offered in gender studies to determine the area into which a course falls. At least three courses at or above the 200 level must be closely related in topic or methodology. This concentration can be achieved by taking three courses from one department (e.g., history) or by taking three courses with the same focus (e.g., Latin America) from different departments. Before pre-registration for the senior year the major adviser must agree that the student has proposed an acceptable means of meeting the concentration requirement. A course in biology (e.g., Biol 120 or 125) is recommended. Students considering graduate programs are strongly advised to complete a minor in a related discipline (e.g., anthropology, history, politics, psychology, sociology).
In the final semester the student must pass a senior assessment consisting of a senior thesis and an approximately one-and-a-half-hour oral examination, which will include questions concerning the thesis and coursework taken for the major.
Students graduating with a major in Gender Studies will demonstrate:
The minor requires a minimum of twenty credits to include Gender Studies 100 and at least four hours of coursework at the 100 or 200 levels and at least eight hours at the 300 or 400 levels. The student, in consultation with a gender studies adviser, will plan a program which will meet requirements of special interest and intellectual coherence, and will include courses in the social sciences, humanities and, when possible, the sciences.
Note: A course cannot be used to satisfy both major and minor requirements, e.g., History 370 cannot be used to apply toward the thirty-eight credit requirement for the gender studies major and history minor or vice versa.
Regularly offered Gender Studies courses and applicable variable-topic courses offered 2009-10 include:
GndS 100 Introduction to Gender Studies (Fall: Morrissey; and Spring: Wilcox)
This interdisciplinary course is designed to introduce students, particularly those intending to complete a gender studies major or minor, to questions in which gender is a significant category of analysis. Topics will include the construction of gender identity and sexuality and the relationship of gender to past and present social and cultural institutions, gendered representations in the arts and literature, and feminist and related theoretical approaches to various disciplines.
GndS 291, 292 Independent Study (Fall and Spring; 1-4 credits)
Discussion and directed reading on a topic of interest to the individual student.
GndS 490 Senior Seminar (Fall: Morrissey)
Taught by a gender studies faculty member with guest participation by others, this seminar is intended to engage senior majors in sustained discussion of contemporary gender issues. Readings, discussion, and papers, including a proposal for the thesis. Required of and limited to senior gender studies majors. (Fall degree candidates should plan to take this seminar at the latest possible opportunity.)
GndS 491,492 Independent Study (Fall and Spring; 1-4 credits)
Discussion and directed reading on a topic of interest to the individual student.
GndS 497 Thesis (Spring)
Completion of a thesis based on the previous semester's plan.
GndS 498 Honors Thesis (Spring)
Completion of an honors thesis. Required of and limited to senior honors candidates in gender studies.
Note: Variable topic courses (e.g., English 181-182) may also be applicable to the Gender Studies major / minor, depending on the subject.
See the College Catalog for specific course descriptions.
