WHAT IS WOMEN &/OR Gender STUDIES?
Women’s Studies is an academic discipline that grew out of social and cultural changes that took place in the 1960s and 1970s. The incorporation of Gender Studies into academia began in the 1980s. Since then, this field has experienced vast development and transformation. Most colleges and universities now offer courses, minors, and majors in this area.

This program seeks to expand students’ awareness of women’s issues, concerns, contributions, and achievements as well as critical studies of areas related to genders (i.e., masculinities and femininities), sexuality, and identities.

Both Women’s and Gender Studies differ from other fields in that their focus is to examine the experiences of, and scholarship by and about, women and other underrepresented identities from a critical perspective. This perspective problematizes issues by seeking to fill information gaps, expose misconceptions and discrimination, and question conceptions of human society, values, and culture. Both Women’s and Gender Studies stress an interdisciplinary perspective, encouraging exploration via multiple, critical academic disciplines. It is simultaneously a way to develop and enhance knowledge in one’s own discipline or major.

WOMEN’s & GENDER STUDIES AT WCSU
At WCSU, our offerings, currently classified as “Women’s Studies” (WS), complement other programs and departments. We provide special opportunities to those who seek more knowledge about historical and modern roles of women, men, and other gendered identifications. Our program is continually developing, with many faculty available to work with interested students.

WHO CAN TAKE THESE COURSES?
Any student may enroll in a course with a Women’s Studies label without being a minor, as long as they have met class prerequisites.