Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, you will learn to analyze inequities and differences while developing valuable real-world skills that will enable you to be an agent of change in your community and the world.
As a WGST major, you're required to take a sequence of core courses. These courses provide the analytic framework for the study of women, gender and sexuality that will inform all courses in the major.
Coursework
Introduction to Womenās and Gender Studies, Feminist Histories and Practices, Feminist Theories, Queer Theories and Senior Capstone
Elective Courses
After completing some of the core coursework, you will take a number of elective courses from various disciplines. This flexibility lets you shape your curriculum to support your career and professional development goals. You'll work closely with faculty advisers to select courses that balance breadth of knowledge with your specific interests.
You can find a list of electives in the . You may also petition for courses not listed in the catalog to count for the major.
Minor Field
You must complete a minor or second major. Our program's interdisciplinary nature gives you the freedom to explore a secondary field of your choice. Popular pairings include Psychology, Biology, English, History, Sociology, Philosophy, Criminology, Forensics and Native American Studies.
Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:
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WGST 150:
Women in Movies
Through viewing popular Hollywood films, we will analyze femininity across the life span. Critical thinking and cultural analysis will be practiced as we study heroines, working girls, motherhood, brides, cheerleaders, and old women on screen.
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WGST 225:
Women in Appalachia
Use variety of sources to explore how race, class, ethnicity, sex and gender impact lives of diverse Appalachian women, including portrayal of women, stereotypes, impact of stereotypes, and how women construct their own identities.
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WGST 250:
Women in Science
History of women in science and methods of gender analysis applied to issues facing women in science in the United States.
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WGST 260:
Perspectives on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies
Overview of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer studies. Examines the construction of gender, biological sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, expression and performance related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and two-spirit identities. Also examines intersections with race, ethnicity, class, nation, culture, ability, and religion.
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WGST 340:
Gender and Violence
Gender violence has implications for all members of society. This course will examine violence in the lives of women across the lifespan. Etiology, theories, effects, and prevention modalities will be evaluated.
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WGST 345:
Women in International Development
Examines cultural diversities in the definition of women's roles and status; investigates women's access to education, health, income, credit and technology; and studies women's contributions in third world development.
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WGST 448:
Sexuality in American Culture
Explores changes in sexuality in the United States from the seventeenth century to the present, examining social and cultural struggles and debates over the meaning of sexuality and sexual orientation in American society.
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WGST 450:
Sex and Science at the Movies
Explores how bodies, sexuality, and other gendered traits are used in films to demonstrate techno-science's societal impacts. Examines the relationship between media representations and techno-scientific practice.
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WGST 460:
Men and Masculinities
An advanced seminar in women's and gender studies that critically examines the concept of masculinity and its impact on men's and women's lives. Analyzes masculinities from cultural, historical, biological, philosophical, sociological, psychological, economic, and political perspectives.
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
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Honors
Expand your curiosity ā and enhance your curriculum ā through the 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first-
and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.
