Course Descriptions
As an interdisciplinary program, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers over 40 courses both under its own rubric and in departments across the curriculum.
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major/minor worksheet: Lists all Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies eligible courses. (Active Spring 2023)
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Courses:
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Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Course Descriptions
WGSS 101 - Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (CSI, U)
The study of women, culture and society through an examination of American life. Topics may include the image of women in literature, cultural variations in gender, religious and philosophical perspectives on sex and gender, issues of women's health, the relationship of gender, class and ethnicity, and specific social issues such as economic discrimination or violence against women. Offered each semester.
WGSS 270 - Special Topics in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Designed to explore a topic of special interest in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Not all special topics courses will earn credit in general education; see current Program of Classes to determine if course earns general education credit. Offered occasionally.
WGSS 370 - Special Topics in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Examination of selected topics in gender studies at the advanced level. focusing on theoretical approaches to the study of gender. Not all special topics courses will earn credit in general education; see current Program of Classes to determine if course earns general education credit. Offered occasionally.
WGSS 397 - Internship
Supervised experiential learning in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Students may arrange internships in consultation with a faculty member and a community-based sponsor in a relevant setting such as a not-for-profit association, social service agency or business. Prerequisites: declared Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major or minor, junior or senior standing, WGSS 101, and consent of the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Director. See Career Center for additional information and forms. Offered each semester.
WGSS 450 - Independent Study
Individualized study (including directed readings) on a topic of interest to the student which is not normally a part of the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies curriculum resulting in the preparation of a significant end product such as a research paper or performance. Student must devise a plan of study in cooperation with faculty. Prerequisites: declared Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major or minor, junior or senior standing, and consent of the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Director. Offered each semester.
WGSS 490 - Senior Seminar (W)
An advanced research and writing seminar examining a topic in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Students will, with the instructor, develop the seminar topic and a booklist, as well as create an activist component on the topic to present to the campus. In addition, each student in the seminar will individually research and write an analytical paper examining an aspect of the chosen topic. Offered each spring.
Courtney Irby - Associate Professor of Sociology
Department - Sociology & Criminology