Gender and Women's Studies (MA)

The MA is recommended for students planning to pursue further graduate study beyond the master's degree. The program prepares students ffurther graduate study or careers in non-profits, activism, and advocacy. Gender and Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary field examining the social construction of gender and sexuality and the intersections of all forms of oppression. The program examines feminist theory and activism and helps students develop skills to bridge the two. 

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Program Requirements

Common Core

We explore the key philosophical and methodological issues in feminist pedagogy with an emphasis on application of the material learned. In addition to readings, discussions, and lectures, students develop a teaching philosophy, design a course, write a syllabus, prepare a lesson plan, teach a session, design evaluations, and develop a curriculum vitae.

Prerequisites: none

Emphasis is on analytical skills and group dynamics as well as subject content including collective action strategies.

Prerequisites: none

This seminar serves as a critique/work group for class members' thesis and publication goals. We examine the formation of critical consciousness.

Prerequisites: none

This course will address critical issues facing women in developing countries in the context of an increasingly globalized order. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with global issues/global feminist theory.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the development of theories and strategies used by various groups of women to create social change. Special focus on the major theories and issues of first, second, and third wave faminism.

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

We explore theoretical and epistemological issues in feminist research, as well as developing the practical nuts and bolts skills needed to conduct our own research. Research skill workshops include Internet and WEB resources in research and constructing a research design. Class members organize and participate in a research conference.

Prerequisites: none

Unrestricted Electives

Choose 9 Credit(s). Any 500/600-level courses in consultation with your advisor.

Capstone Course

Choose 3 Credit(s).

Preparation of a thesis under supervision of the student's graduate advisory committee.

Prerequisites: none

Degree Plan

First Year

Fall - 9 Credits

We explore the key philosophical and methodological issues in feminist pedagogy with an emphasis on application of the material learned. In addition to readings, discussions, and lectures, students develop a teaching philosophy, design a course, write a syllabus, prepare a lesson plan, teach a session, design evaluations, and develop a curriculum vitae.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the development of theories and strategies used by various groups of women to create social change. Special focus on the major theories and issues of first, second, and third wave faminism.

Prerequisites: none

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 9 Credits

Emphasis is on analytical skills and group dynamics as well as subject content including collective action strategies.

Prerequisites: none

This course will address critical issues facing women in developing countries in the context of an increasingly globalized order. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with global issues/global feminist theory.

Prerequisites: none

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Second Year

Fall - 9 Credits

This seminar serves as a critique/work group for class members' thesis and publication goals. We examine the formation of critical consciousness.

Prerequisites: none

We explore theoretical and epistemological issues in feminist research, as well as developing the practical nuts and bolts skills needed to conduct our own research. Research skill workshops include Internet and WEB resources in research and constructing a research design. Class members organize and participate in a research conference.

Prerequisites: none

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 3 Credits

Preparation of a thesis under supervision of the student's graduate advisory committee.

Prerequisites: none