Undergraduate Study

An interdisciplinary academic program devoted to the critical analysis of gender and the pursuit of knowledge about women. Combining the methods and insights of traditional academic disciplines with the special insights of WS scholarship, our courses yield fresh perspectives which illuminate the origins of and changes in diverse cultural and social arrangements. This major is broad as well as flexible, and each student's plan of study can readily reflect individual interests as well as complement a second major. Gender is a common thread in all our course offerings, but it always interweaves race, class, and other factors that contribute to the diversity of women's lives. Our program is committed to a vision of women and gender that is truly international and cross-cultural believing that without this perspective, our view of the world is profoundly impoverished. The Program prepares students to utilize critical learning in their private lives as well in their public roles as citizens thus opening the way to a wide variety of career choices and graduate programs.

Because an increasing number of academic positions seek applicants with expertise in the study of women and gender, the addition of Women's Studies courses can be a powerful addition to your undergraduate major. We encourage you to speak with Women's Studies faculty to explore the wide variety of undergraduate courses we offer.

Requirements for the Women's Studies Major:

Required Courses:

One 100 level WS Introductory course (WS 103, 104, 105, or 124)
WS 265 – WS Research Methods
Phil 218 Feminist Theory OR WS 250 Feminisms
WS 261 WS Internship
WS 262 Internship Seminar
WS 289W Senior Seminar in WS

Supporting Courses

Majors must complete at least 15 credits of 200 level courses that should be selected with the guidance of their faculty advisor. At least three of theses courses will be Women’s Studies or cross-listed courses. Two of the five supporting courses may include cross-referenced courses that cover special topics relevant to feminist scholarship in various departments. Such cross-referenced courses will be applied to the major with approval of the Program Director.

Related Courses:

Students must take an additionbal 12 credits at the 200 level or above in fields closely related to the major. Nor required course in the major or in the related area may be taken pass/fail.

Women's Studies Minor

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers minors for matriculated students. A minor is an option for students who want an academic focus in addition to their major. An approved plan of study must be submitted to the Registrar's Office. For the Women's Studies Minor the requirements are 15 credit-hours in Women's Studies courses or cross-referenced courses, of which no more than one course may be at the 100 level. No more than two courses may be counted toward both the major and minor. The Women's Studies Internship Program (WS 261/262) will count for a maximum of six credits toward the Minor. Only courses with a grade of C or better can be counted toward the Minor

The Women's Studies Program's Undergraduate Minor allows you to design an individualized program which will add interdisciplinary breadth to your undergraduate program. Courses focusing on women and gender give you the opportunity to supplement your major field, to enrich your educational experience, and to establish a broader base for critical thinking. Courses may be chosen from Women's Studies offerings or from a list of cross referenced courses which is updated each semester.