Women's and Gender Studies
- Q: What courses should be taken during the first year?
- Students should take WGS 100 (Intro to Women’s Studies) and WGS 200 (Introduction to Feminist Theory), as well as an additional 100-level WGS course (in addition to WGS 100, students are required to take three 100-level courses, from three different departments). Click here to check Women’s and Gender Studies course availability.
- Q: What courses should first year students steer clear of?
- Students should not take 200-level courses (besides WGS 200, as it’s an introduction to Feminist Theory) until at least their second year. Students should also wait until their second year to take the methods/skills course that is required for the major.
- Q: If key introductory courses are filled, are there good alternatives?
- Students can take 100-level courses that are listed with WGS.
- Q: Is there a preferred sequence of courses students should follow?
- After taking WGS 100 and 200, students should start taking their three 100-level courses and begin to think about their specialization, as their three 200-level courses and their capstone course must relate to the specialization.
- Q: How and when are advisors determined for declared majors?
- Students choose their own advisors, usually faculty who match their specialization. For example, if a student is interested in women and history, she/he would choose a professor from the History Department.
- Q: What are the guidelines for internships and/or directed readings?
- Internships and directed readings should be related to the WGS specialization.
- Q: What courses in related departments do your majors usually take?
- Students are required to have a second major or a minor, as well as a specialization within the WGS major. That specialization is often related to the second major/minor, so courses in those departments become the ones that students take
- Q: What are the guidelines for students wishing to pursue any related Accelerated Degree Program (fifth year) option?
- WGS should consider a double major or minor in a department in which there is an Accelerated Degree option. For example, a student wanting to pursue the fifth year program in International Development should double major in WGS and IDSC.
- Q: What is the preferred mix of courses for someone considering this major (e.g., lecture vs. lab vs. discussion vs. seminar)?
- There is no preferred mix. Students are required to take lecture/discussion courses as well as a capstone seminar.
- Q: What should be taken into account when considering a minor (e.g. complementary majors, timing and sequence of courses, etc.)?
- A minor should be related to the WGS specialization, thereby complementing the WGS major.
- Q: Where should students or faculty go for more information?
- Students can go to the WGS website, and/or contact Professor Kristen Williams