What is Gender Studies?
Gender Studies is a field of interdisciplinary study and academic field devoted to gender identity and gendered representation as central categories of analysis. This field includes women's studies (concerning women, feminism, gender, and politics), men's studies, and LGBT studies. Sometimes, gender studies is offered together with study of sexuality. These disciplines study gender and sexuality in the fields of literature, language, history, political science, sociology, anthropology, cinema, media studies, human development, law, and medicine. It also analyzes race, ethnicity, location, nationality, and disability.
Gender Studies classes explore femininity, masculinity, gender fluidity, and the influences of race, sex, culture, and class on gender, politics, institutions, and human interaction.
Isn’t Gender Studies just for women?
Although this field originally researched women’s roles and contributions to society, over the past decade it has expanded to study men’s roles at home, at work, and in society; the construction of gender and masculinity; and the impact of race, class, psychology and biology on men in the 21st century.
Gender Studies is for everyone!
Why should I take Gender Studies courses?
Gender Studies courses develop social and political insights and multidisciplinary perspectives that enhance your major; offer opportunities for personal expression and interaction; teach you to work collaboratively; provide analytical tools to increase personal and global awareness; and improve self-reflection, cultural critique, and social activism. Gender Studies courses improve your marketability—at no extra cost.
What does Gender Studies offer that other programs do not?
Over two dozen scholarships and awards, accessible faculty, individualized mentoring and advising, weekly events, networking opportunities, multiple internships, interdisciplinary courses, and the opportunity to design your own major.
What’s the difference between a certificate and a major?
Graduate and undergraduate certificates require 18 hours of course work; a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies major allows you to create your own 36-hour interdisciplinary major, drawing from classes across the university to prepare you for the job you want.
What courses can I take?
Gender Studies courses may be selected from any area of the curriculum. Most courses are cross-listed with other departments. Gender Studies courses may simultaneously count toward a departmental major and a graduate or undergraduate certificate—or they can add up to an individualized, interdisciplinary major.