WOMEN'S STUDIES

Women’s Studies is an 18 credit interdisciplinary minor that involves courses in a wide array of traditional fields including history, anthropology, communication, business, health, education and literature. The goal of the minor is to inform students about women’s contributions, perspectives and visions in our own and other cultures; to validate women’s experiences; and to challenge the economic, political and social devaluation of women. Students electing the minor must take Introduction to Women’s Studies (WSTU 220) and the Women’s Studies Senior Seminar (WSTU 488) as well as four other electives from an approved list. The minor complements many majors and can be completed as students fulfill general education requirements. Students taking courses in women’s studies will benefit by having a more complete education, a greater appreciation for women’s contributions, a greater sense of life options for women, and a fuller understanding of gender and its role in human life. Expertise in women’s studies will help students successfully handle gender-based power dynamics in all professions as well as prepare them for jobs in women-centered areas of health, social work, education, psychology, journalism, politics, public administration and business.