2024-2025

Women's and Gender Studies, Minor

Women's and Gender Studies Program

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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.

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other 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.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA C
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional

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
  • 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.
     
    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.
  • Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

Additional Information
  • 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.