Women's and Gender Studies, Minor

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

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.

Minor Requirements

• Take the following 18 units:

  • WGS 260 (3 units)
  • WGS 300W or WGS 355 (3 units)
  • WGS 491C or WGS 470 (3 units)
  
  Select from the following with 3-6 units of additional WGS courses (9 units):
  • WGS 150, (WGS 191 or ES 191), WGS 215, WGS 301, WGS 310, WGS 320, WGS 325, WGS 333, WGS 340, WGS 355, WGS 360, WGS 370, WGS 408, WGS 410, WGS 465, WGS 470, WGS 491C, WGS 497, WGS 499
  • ANT 302, ANT 404
  • COM 301
  • CCJ 360, CCJ 425, CCJ 460
  • CST 424
  • ES 391
  • HIS 295, HIS 379, HIS 460, HIS 470, HIS 484
  • HUM 375
  • POS 355
  • PSY 277, PSY 491
  • SOC 204, SOC 301
  Please note that substitutions or waivers are the prerogative of the program director. You must see the director of the program before completing 9 units of requirements. We advise you to consult with your advisor every term.
   
  Please be aware that a grade of "D" will not count for minor credit. Although a course in which the grade earned is a "D" does not have to be retaken, you must complete 18 units in the minor with a grade of "C" or better in order to fulfill degree requirements.

• Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.