Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, BA

Students who major in gender, women's, and sexuality studies (GWSS) explore the ways that gender and sexuality intersect with class, race, ethnicity, nationality, and transnational processes. Students develop interdisciplinary research and writing skills, the ability to address structural inequalities from the local to the global level, and the critical tools necessary to work toward social transformation and social justice. GWSS majors participate in two high-impact experiences that prepare them for careers in a wide range of fields. They participate in a practicum at a community-based site where they learn to integrate feminist theory and practice; then, during their senior year, they do rigorous, original research for critical or creative projects on topics of their own choosing.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a major in gender, women’s, and sexuality studies will demonstrate how to:

  • apply feminist intersectional theory in scholarly and creative practice;
  • evaluate issues, research problems, and construct arguments using GWSS tools and concepts;
  • communicate effectively with diverse audiences through speech, writing, and other forms of creative and scholarly expression; and
  • work collaboratively with others in diverse communities using core GWSS strengths and skills.