Concentration in Women's and Gender Studies (24 credit hours)
The WGS concentration provides greater depth and breadth than the 18-credit minor while still preserving the flexibility and focus of an interdisciplinary approach to the study of women and changing notions of gender. The concentration also serves as a valuable complement to any major field of study leading to a bachelor of arts or science degree.
Unlike the traditional discipline-based major, the Women’s and Gender Studies Concentration encourages students to pursue their studies systematically across the Arts and Sciences curriculum by providing a broad range of courses on women, gender, girls and masculinities. The three required courses are designed to introduce students to:
- The study of women.
- Theories of gender.
- The diverse methods of inquiry employed by gender scholars.
The concentration also requires students to take classes in no less than three different disciplines (e.g., history, English and anthropology) in order to:
- Identify the parallels between disciplines.
- Foster critical thinking about accepted categories and constructs.
- Acquire key concepts and knowledge of fundamental issues.
- Develop a basic vocabulary.
- Expand familiarity with major works, thinkers and directions in the field of Women’s and Gender Studies.
Students may choose from an approved list of courses (see courses below) in which women and/or gender are the central category of analyses. Individualized readings courses on selected topics also may be arranged with WGS faculty members. And, as new courses with a significant Women’s Studies component are offered, students pursuing the concentration may request course approval from the director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, who will help facilitate and coordinate students pursuing the concentration.
Requirements for the Concentration
There are three required courses (nine credits):
- ANTH 414 Feminist Theories (or other courses on feminist theory)
- ANTH 303CL/HIST 303CW/SOC 303CW Introduction to Women's Studies
- WGS 499 Research Seminar (or other research course)
The remaining 15 credits must be selected from the list of courses below.
