Women's and Gender Studies

Women’s and Gender Studies Major

Required Units (12 credits)

WG STDS 201 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
WG STDS 366 Service Learning and Field Study or Study Abroad
WG STDS 403 Feminist Thought and Practice (formerly 390 Feminist Theory)
WG STDS 435 Women’s and Gender Studies Senior Seminar

In selecting the remaining 8 courses (24 units), no more than two courses may be from the 100- or 200-level, and at least 6 courses must be from the 300-level or above.

Four Disciplinary Categories (12 credits)

Majors are required to choose one course from each of the following four disciplinary categories: 

(Courses listed below are ones we currently offer on a regular basis.)

III. Social Sciences

IV. Environment, Health, and Natural Sciences

365 Gender and Nature

369 Sex, Gender and Sexuality in the Past

*Also meets the Diversity in the United States requirement
**Also meets the Global Diversity requirement

Diversity Breadth Requirements (6 credits)

Majors are required to fulfill a Diversity Requirement. At least one course must count toward the Global Diversity requirement, and at least one course must count toward the Diversity in the United States requirement. These courses may overlap with the disciplinary categories.

In addition to the options indicated in the four categories listed above, the following courses count toward the major’s diversity requirements:

Global Diversity

WG STDS 344-Kinship, Gender, and Sexuality

Diversity in the U.S.

WG STDS 232-Inclusivity and Diversity on University Campuses
WG STDS 391/591-Queer, Trans, and Non-Binary Literature
WG STDS 392-Queer Theory

Electives (6-12 credits)

Majors are required to elect additional courses from any of the above categories to fulfill the 36-unit requirement for the major. Electives may also include Special Topics, Independent Study or Honors Thesis courses tailored to meet this requirement.

Service Learning and Study Abroad Information

Service learning projects could include campus internships for the UW Counseling Center—specifically working with the Campus for Awareness and Relationship Education (CARE), or community internships for such programs as Goodwill, the Christine Ann Center, REACH Counseling Services, Harbor House, the Girl Scouts, Planned Parenthood or any other community program agreed upon by the student and the director.

Study Abroad opportunities include 3-week interim courses such as “Women in the Arts in England,” “Privilege and Poverty in Tanzania” or a semester-long program focusing on Women’s and Gender Studies at Lancaster University.

Other Study Abroad programs with significant Women’s and Gender Studies material will be considered for approval by the director.