Women's Studies Minor

The minor in Women's Studies (WS) offers an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural and critical understanding of women and issues relating to gender including the practice of leadership. Courses focus on the intellectual, political and cultural life of women in a variety of social and historical contexts. The minor provides students with a strong theoretical and empirical background in understanding how gender and women’s roles in society are shaped by factors such as race, class, ethnicity, culture and sexuality. The program emphasizes women as agents of social change through advocacy and policy making. The interdisciplinary nature of the minor exposes students to a diversity of approaches and views on gender and women’s issues.

The Women’s Studies program is well suited for students who are interested in pursuing advanced academic work in M.A. and Ph.D. programs, professional schools in law, business or medicine as well as for those students planning a career in public service, advocacy or social activism.

Women’s Studies Curriculum

The Women’s Studies minor consists of 18 total units, including WST 10 (Introduction to Women’s Studies). Nine (9) of the remaining fifteen units must be at the upper division level, and at least two of the courses must be from two different departments. All courses that are counted towards the WS minor must be approved by the Director of the Women’s Studies program. Courses that emphasize leadership theory or practice are designated “LWS.”