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Women and Gender Studies Minor


The Women and Gender Studies minor offers multidisciplinary perspectives on the diverse experiences of and contributions by women, as well as about issues related to gender. The minor addresses the gendered dimensions of cultural identities, social roles, collective history, and literary and artistic traditions. As this scholarship necessarily transcends disciplinary boundaries, all students can benefit from learning about women and gender issues. The minor offers students the opportunity to acquire perspectives and skills to uncover and analyze the ideological dimensions of gender and to participate in social change. Moreover, the minor helps undergraduate students better prepare for their professional futures, whether in graduate study or serving the needs of clients, patients, students and other constituencies. The Sisters of Mercy tradition that informs all learning at Saint Xavier, with its emphasis on helping women, children, the poor and the marginalized, is especially reflected in this program. In addition to academic coursework, the women and gender studies minor sponsors campus events. These events include panel discussions, film events, lectures and book discussions.

Minor Requirements

The minor consists of 18 credit hours (six courses). One introductory course, Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (WMSTU 232) is required; if possible, this course should be taken prior to or in conjunction with other women and gender studies courses. All of the courses in the minor must have gender as their organizational focus. No more than two courses in any one discipline may count toward the minor. In addition to a regular repertoire of courses, special topics courses are also offered periodically. Please note that many women and gender studies courses also fulfill University general education requirements. Search Self-Service using course type "Women and Gender Studies" to locate approved course sections.

Required Course (3 credit hours)

ENGL/WMSTU 232: Introduction to Women's Studies

Elective Courses (15 credit hours)

Choose five courses from the following:

  • ANTH/SOC 235: Sex/Culture/Society
  • ANTH/SOC 309: Gender and Globalization
  • ART 243: Women in Art
  • BIOL 201: Contemporary Women Scientists
  • CJ 245: Race, Class, Gender and the Criminal Justice System
  • COMM 350: Gender and Communication
  • ENGL 240: Women and Literature
  • HIST 211: Women in Modern European History
  • PHIL 255: Feminist Philosophy
  • PSYCH 328: Sex and Gender
  • RELST 269: Theologies of Oppression and Empowerment
  • RELST 273: Women in the Bible
  • SOC 275: Women, Change, and Society
  • SOC 325: Intersectionality: Race/Class/Gender
  • SOC 345: Jurisprudence and Gender
  • SPAN 217: Women in Mexican Culture
  • Other special topics courses as available

Faculty

The Women and Gender Studies minor is multidisciplinary, drawing upon the expertise of faculty in many academic areas within the university, including art, english, history, nursing, religious studies, psychology and sociology. The participating faculty offer courses appropriate to the scholarly study of women and gender and contribute to the development of the program.