Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (BA)

Program Overview

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It combines insights from traditional disciplines with feminist, gender, and sexuality studies to cultivate a vision of diverse sexualities and genders. The program equips students with critical lenses to analyze gender roles, power dynamics, and social justice issues, preparing them for careers in fields such as social services, education, law, journalism, and non-profit organizations.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program at UConn is an interdisciplinary academic program dedicated to:

• **Critical study of women and gender.

• **Analysis of the production of gender and sexuality across various contexts.

• **Combining insights from traditional disciplines with feminist studies, gender studies, and sexuality studies.

• **Cultivating a vision of diverse sexualities and genders that embraces the richness of human experience.

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Objectives of the program:

• **Equip students with critical lenses to analyze gender roles, power dynamics, and social justice issues.

• **Enable students to engage with diverse perspectives on gender, sexuality, and culture.

• **Empower students to become advocates for gender and sexual justice in various aspects of life.

• **Prepare graduates for diverse career paths and advanced study in various fields.

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Program description:

• The WGSS program is flexible and allows students to explore their interests within the broad field of gender studies.
• The curriculum features courses in feminist theory, social movements, cultural production, global perspectives on gender, and more.
• Students can tailor their studies to focus on specific areas of interest, such as feminist science fiction, gender and health, or LGBTQ+ studies.
• The program provides opportunities for internships, independent research, and study abroad experiences.

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General notes:

• Students are encouraged to engage with the diverse faculty, staff, and resources offered by the WGSS program.
• The program fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
• Graduates of the WGSS program are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including social services, education, law, journalism, and many others.

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Outline:

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Core Courses (15 credits):

• WGSS 2250: Critical Approaches to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (3 credits)
• WGSS 3265W: Producing Critical Feminist Scholarship (3 credits)
• WGSS 4994W: Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
• One 3000-level theory course: Students choose one from Feminist, Queer, and Trans Theories or Feminist Disability Studies (3 credits)
• One 3000-level social movements and cultural production course: Students choose one from The Politics of Reproduction, Gender, Sexuality, and Social Movements, Gender, Justice, and Hashtags, Gender Representations in U.S. Popular Culture, or Feminism and Science Fiction (3 credits)

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Supporting Courses (15 credits):

• Students choose five additional WGSS courses at the 2000 level or above.
• At least three of these courses must be chosen from a specified list, which includes:
• Gender and Science
• Gender and Globalization
• Feminisms and the Arts
• Women, Gender and Film
• LGBTQ Sexualities, Activism, and Globalization
• Women, Gender, and Violence
• Women and Poverty
• History of Gender and Sexuality in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Baseball and Society: Politics, Economics, Race and Gender
• The Politics of Reproduction
• Genders and Sexualities
• Gender Representations in U.S. Popular Culture
• Women and Gender in the Deaf World
• Sexual Citizenship
• Feminist, Queer, and Trans Theories
• Feminist Disability Studies
• Latina Narrative
• Fictions of Latino Masculinity
• Gender in the Workplace
• Gender, Sexuality, and Social Movements
• Masculinities
• Latinas and Media
• Anthropological Perspectives on Women
• Gender, Justice, and Hashtags
• Black Feminist Politics
• Feminism and Science Fiction
• Internship Program (up to 6 credits)
• Special Topics
• Variable Topics
• Independent Study
• Experiential/Service Learning Seminar

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Assessment:

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However, some common assessment methods include:

• Essays and research papers: These assignments require students to engage in critical analysis, synthesize information, and present their arguments effectively.
• Presentations: Students have opportunities to present their research findings, analysis, and insights to their peers and instructors.
• Exams and quizzes: These assessments can be used to gauge students' understanding of key concepts and theories in the course.
• Class participation: Active participation in discussions and group activities is encouraged and contributes to the overall assessment.
• Creative projects and assignments: Students may have opportunities to apply their learning in creative ways through artistic projects, simulations, or other innovative assessments.

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Teaching:

• Lectures: Instructors deliver lectures to introduce key concepts, theories, and historical context related to the course topic.
• Discussions and seminars: Students actively participate in discussions, debates, and group work to explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding of the material.
• Guest speakers: The program may invite guest speakers from various backgrounds to share their expertise and experiences with students.
• Fieldwork and experiential learning: Some courses offer opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences through internships, research projects, or community involvement.
• Technology integration: Instructors may use technology to facilitate learning, such as online discussion boards, video streaming, and digital resources.

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Careers:

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Some potential career paths include:

• Social services: Working with individuals, families, and communities on issues related to gender equality, social justice, and advocacy.
• Education: Teaching at various levels, including K-12, community colleges, and universities, and specializing in gender studies, sexuality education, or related fields.
• Law: Pursuing careers in law firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations working on issues like gender discrimination, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Journalism and media: Working as writers, editors, reporters, or media producers who can bring gender and sexuality perspectives into their work.
• Business and management: Working in organizations that value diversity, inclusion, and gender equity, and contributing to creating more equitable workplaces.
• Non-profit and advocacy organizations: Working for organizations dedicated to social justice, gender equality, and human rights.
• Research and academia: Pursuing further studies in gender studies or related fields and conducting research on gender, sexuality, and social issues.

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Other:

• The program offers various opportunities for students to engage beyond the classroom, such as:
• Attending workshops and conferences on gender and sexuality.
• Participating in student organizations focused on gender issues.
• Getting involved in campus activism and advocacy efforts.
• Connecting with faculty for mentorship and research opportunities.
• The WGSS program also provides resources for students, including:
• Advising and career counseling.
• Writing and research support.
• Access to specialized databases and scholarly materials.
• Opportunities for networking with alumni and professionals in the field.