Todd Penner, Director
The gender studies program provides students with the tools to analyze and interrogate gender both as a social construct and as a lived reality. Focus is placed on comparative, competing, and cross-disciplinary perspectives related to gender issues, focusing on race, class, age, ethnicity, national identity, and sexual orientation.
A student may major in gender studies by submitting a proposal for a personally designed interdisciplinary major (see the director for more information). Disciplinary courses approved for gender studies are listed collectively in the course schedule each term.
A minor in gender studies consists of a minimum of six course credit units including Gender Studies 120 or an approved substitute. Some of these consider gender directly or devote significant sections to the topic, but others require that students select gender-related topics for their research assignments to earn gender studies credit in the course. At least three disciplines must be represented in work counting toward this minor, with at least two courses numbered 200 or above, including one course numbered 300 or above. Up to two courses taken in the January term may be applied to the minor (please consult with the director prior to enrollment). Topics courses may be applied to the minor with the approval of the gender studies director and the vice president for Academic Affairs.
120 Introduction to Gender Studies
An exploration of the multi-faceted nature of gender, sex, and sexuality as these intersect with societal, cultural, historical, scientific, and intellectual facets of human life and experience. Seeking broad exposure to various tradents in the study of gender and society, and using a multi-interdisciplinary approach (drawing on methods from the humanities, sciences, and social sciences), we seek to gain an appreciation for the ways in which humans have constructed the body over time, how different kinds of gender and sex performances are viewed from both dominant cultural perspectives and from those on the periphery, and how these perceptions are deeply integrated into the larger societal fabrics that make up our daily lives. (Each fall)
250 Topics in Gender Studies
A study of selected topics and issues offered on an occasional basis. May be repeated when topic varies.
253 Literature and Gender
A variety of courses focused on issues of sex and gender in literature. Topics include women’s literature, gender/genre, bodies of enlightenment, gay and lesbian writers, and postcolonial women writers. May be repeated once when topic varies. (Offered on an occasional basis)
260 Intermediate Directed Study
(Variable course credit)
350, 450 Advanced Topics in Gender Studies
An investigation of selected topics and issues in gender studies offered on an occasional basis. May be repeated when topic varies.
460 Advanced Directed Study
(Variable course credit)
490 Independent Study
492 Independent Study Off-Campus/ISOC
