Women's and Gender Studies, Minor

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than 50% of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Purpose Statement

This minor examines issues of gender, class, race, nation, and sexuality, offering students the vocabulary and knowledge to make sense of the world. The program blends theory with practice. Students learn how the meanings of gender change across eras and nations--and how to work toward social justice.
 
If you're curious about the ways gender, race, class, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and age shape the world, a minor in Women's and Gender Studies might be an excellent addition to your major.
 
You'll study the historical and contemporary perspectives on women's contributions to culture, society, politics, professions, social movements, and the arts. In classrooms and conferences, writings and discussion online and face-to-face-you will rediscover women's histories; explore contemporary realities; and empower yourself to think critically, question, and take action.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Women and Gender Studies Minor, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain key topics, concepts, and issues in Women’s and Gender or Queer Studies, including intersectionality, reproductive health, sexuality and the body, and power, privilege, and violence.
• Think through and apply feminist and queer studies concepts and theories in specific political, historical, geographic, and cultural contexts.
• Write critically: Write clear and well-reasoned prose which acknowledges complex and diverse points of view and methods of critical inquiry/research, especially those which address constructions of gender, sexuality, race and class. 
• Verbally express ideas effectively tailoring arguments and presentation styles to audience and interactive context
• Develop skills of leadership, advocacy, organization and community building to bring about social change.