College: Institute of Graduate Programs

This interdisciplinary major explores the social, cultural, and historical aspects of gender and its intersections with other identities such as race, class, and sexuality. Students study key areas including feminist theory, gender studies, sexuality, social justice, and policy analysis. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research methodologies, and understanding contemporary gender issues. Graduates are prepared for careers in advocacy, policy, education, social work, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of gender studies and feminist theory.
• Develop skills in critical analysis, research, and advocacy.
• Learn techniques for examining gender in various social, cultural, and historical contexts.
• Explore intersections of gender with other identities and systems of oppression.
• Understand the role of policy and social justice in addressing gender issues.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in contemporary gender studies.
• Enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills for advocacy and research projects.

Major Outline:

1. Introduction to Gender Studies
   • Overview of gender studies, fundamental concepts, and historical context.
   • Basics of feminist theory and its development.
2. Feminist Theory
   • Principles of feminist theory, including liberal, radical, Marxist, and postmodern feminisms.
   • Techniques for applying feminist theories to contemporary issues.
3. Gender and Sexuality Studies
   • Exploration of gender and sexuality, including LGBTQ+ studies, queer theory, and sexual politics.
   • Techniques for analyzing gender and sexuality in varied cultural and historical contexts.
4. Intersectionality
   • Principles of intersectionality, including gender intersections with race, class, and other identities.
   • Techniques to examine multiple and intersecting forms of oppression.
5. Social Justice and Gender
   • Basics of social justice, including equality, diversity, and inclusion.
   • Techniques for advocating gender equality and social justice.
6. Gender and Policy Analysis
   • Principles of policy analysis, including gender-responsive policy-making and advocacy.
   • Techniques for evaluating and influencing policies regarding gender issues.
7. Research Methods in Gender Studies
   • Principles of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, and ethical considerations.
   • Techniques for conducting and evaluating research in gender studies.
8. Gender in Global Contexts
   • Exploration of gender issues in global and transnational contexts.
   • Techniques for analyzing gender in diverse cultural and international environments.
9. Practical Training in Gender Studies
   • Real-world experiences in advocacy, policy, education, or social work.
   • Techniques for applying acquired skills in practical gender studies environments.
10. Capstone Project in Gender Studies
    • A comprehensive project to apply skills gained in feminist theory, policy analysis, or advocacy.
    • Techniques for delivering a polished and impactful gender studies project.

Assessment Methods:

Feminist theory analyses, gender and sexuality studies papers, intersectionality projects, social justice advocacy plans, policy analysis reports, research methodology papers, global context analyses, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center" by Bell Hooks.
• "Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity" by Judith Butler.
• "Intersectionality" by Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge.
• "Social Justice and Gender" by Iris Marion Young.
• "Gender and Policy Analysis" by Sylvia Walby.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of social sciences, humanities, and gender studies. Suitable for students interested in advocacy, policy, education, social work, and gender equality.

Duration of Major:

Typically 4 years to obtain a bachelor’s degree, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates can earn a degree in gender studies and pursue professional certifications in advocacy, policy analysis, or social work.

Target Audience:

Aspiring advocates, policymakers, educators, social workers, and professionals seeking to specialize in gender studies and promote gender equality. This major equips students with critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills necessary to excel in gender studies and support careers in advocacy, policy, education, and related fields.