Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, B.A.
Overview
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Clark challenges you to investigate how systems of gender shape — and are shaped by — culture, power, and identity.
Why choose women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Clark?
- Gain insights from applications of feminist theory that push you to think more critically about ideas and events that you encounter in your everyday life, while using gender analysis to understand and evaluate the lived experiences of diverse individuals and communities.
- Develop an individualized area of specialization with the help of a faculty adviser; complete a minor or concentration — or a second major — in another field, as required, to support your specialization and to reinforce connections with other disciplines.
- Carry forward a tradition of activism: Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies is a program with a history dating from the 1970s, when student activists urged their feminist mentors to begin offering courses in women’s studies.
- As part of a program affiliated with Clark’s Center for Gender, Race and Area Studies, you’ll join a community of faculty and students who study diverse, disadvantaged, or marginalized societies and populations, with an emphasis on promoting social justice.
Featured courses
Gender and Environment
From “Mother Earth” to “Father Sky,” gender concepts are embedded in our understanding of the environment. Explore how gender affects human settlement and land-use patterns, as well as ecological practices.
Dangerous Women
Throughout history, audacious, ambitious women have been called saints, sinners, prostitutes, witches, and nasty. In this course, you’ll explore the experiences and treatment of such “dangerous” women.
Making Gender in the Eighteenth Century
Did you know that gender roles became more clearly defined in 18th-century Britain? Uncover how the texts of this period helped shape perceptions of masculinity and femininity, both socially and culturally.
All women’s, gender, and sexuality studies courses
Frequently asked questions
What can I do with a major in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies?
At Clark you’ll get more than a great education; you’ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you’ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.
Can I earn an academic achievement award in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies?
The Hazel Hughes Award
This award is presented in honor of the former Dean of Women, Hazel Hughes, for outstanding academic achievement by an undergraduate student.
The Alice Higgins Award
This award is presented in honor of long-time Clark trustee and supporter of women’s and gender studies, Alice Higgins, for outstanding contributions to women and girls at Clark University and/or in the wider community.
The Cynthia Enloe Scholar/Activist Award
Created in honor of Professor Cynthia Enloe, this award is given to the student who has worked hard to advance scholarship in women’s and gender studies and has been an activist in this cause.
Is there a women’s, gender, and sexuality studies honors program?
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the women’s, gender, and sexuality studies honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to write a thesis on a topic of your choice.
