Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies (WGSS)
Naadiya Hasan, Associate Professor, Chair
The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies (WGSS) program offers an interdisciplinary major that examines gender as a set of socially created identities embedded in a complex, intersectional system of power and oppression; and examines, inspires, and guides efforts to create change that promotes social justice. Because many academic departments contribute courses to this program, its curriculum allows students the flexibility to choose courses that most interest them while receiving solid training in gender theory and engaging in interdisciplinary study. All majors complete self-designed projects and engage in community education.
WGSS encourages collaborative learning, experiential learning, Principled Problem Solving experiences, internships, independent studies, community engagement, and study abroad.
Degree Offered
The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered in women's, gender, and sexuality studies.
WoC. This course will acquaint students with some of the basic questions, concepts and problematic issues that drive WGSS scholars, as well as the historical, political and social contexts in which these concerns and the various answers to them have arisen. Students in this class plan and produce a community education experience. Fulfills diversity in the U.S. requirement. Fulfills diversity in the U.S. requirement (1998). Sociocultural engagement requirement (2019).
WGSS 150. Special Topics. 1-8.
May also be offered at 250, 350 and 450
May also be offered at 360 and 460 levels
May also be offered at 290 level.
WoC. Intense engagement with interdisciplinary, transformative work in feminist theory and implications for methodologies that promote liberatory goals. Topics drawn from a range of feminisms, including Black Feminist Theory, Transnational Feminist Theory, and Queer Theory.
Prerequiste: WGSS 110 and at least one other course listed for WGSS (or instructor approval).
Students produce individualized, culminating projects for their WGSS major, with applications for problem solving related to gender/sexuality oppression. This project may consist of a theoretical analysis, an empirical research project, and/or community engagement. Students present their work to the community at an academic engagement conference.
Prerequiste: WGSS 375, including satisfactory completion of project proposal.
This seminar focuses on particular issues or problems related to gender/ sexuality. Topics vary with sections and instructor.
WGSS 490. Departmental Honors. 1-8.