Academic Programs
Women's and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary program for women and men to develop, analyze, and explore an array of multifaceted themes such as women,gender relations, race, and sexuality. Though the Women's and Gender Studies Program was officially created in 1981, Â鶹¹ÙÍø has supported WGS by offering a variety of individual courses since the early '70s. Now,however, our classes are more diverse, more abundant, and more in demand than ever!
Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s unique position on the border with Mexico allowsWomen’s Studies to offer specialized classes such as la Chicana and the Historyof Latin American women, which explore the rich and often overlooked historyand contributions of Latinas, and give students from both sides of the RioGrande the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the distinctive worldin which they live. We also offer specialized topics in subjects includingQueer studies, Middle Eastern studies, and religious studies.
Most Women’s Studies classes are cross listed with otherÂ鶹¹ÙÍø programs such as humanities, film studies, communication, or business tooffer students the chance to specialize their minor to best suit their needs byexploring a variety subjects or by narrowing their focus to a specificdiscipline. Many of Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s finest professors team up with Women’s Studies tooffer a more comprehensive perspective on their classes! Our students whoreceive Women’s Studies minors have put their skill to work the areas of socialjustice, non-profit, health, business, and law among many other fields.
Major in Women's and Gender Studies
A Women’s Studies Major will help under graduatesto grow inside an interdisciplinary field of study. Courses offered for the Women’sStudies major include Gender Society and Social Movements, Issues andRepresentations, Feminist Theory, and Advanced Practical/Theoretical Experience. WS 2300 Introduction to Women’s Studies is required. At least 30 hours should be completed at the upper division level in more than one discipline
Minor in Women's and Gender Studies
A Women’s Studies Minor can help undergraduates fill the gap in many traditional disciplines by providing necessary courses focusing on diversity and women’s issues. Students can receive a Minor in Women’s Studies by earning a minimum of 18 hours in approved Women’s Studies courses. WS 2300 Introduction to Women’s Studies is required; in addition at least 12 hours should be completed at the upper division level in more than one discipline.
Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies
The Graduate Certificate allows degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students to specialize in women’s and gender studies. The certificate consists of a total of 12 hours of graduate courses from at least two different disciplines. WS 5300 Interdisciplinary Feminist Theory and Methodology is the core class and should be taken as part of the 12 hours.
Admission to the Graduate Certificate Program is contingent upon admission into the Graduate school as a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student.