Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

In this interdisciplinary minor, students explore the historical marginalization of women and gender nonconforming people, as well as add their own voice to discussions of dynamic issues such as sexual harassment, pay equity, violence against women and children, the role of women in the arts and sciences and changing perspectives on gender and sexuality. Students take two common classes and then choose from a list of electives based on their own interests. The only required common course for a WGSS minor is WGSS 204: Introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, which is offered every fall semester. Additional required electives are offered every semester and may be selected from the list of electives in consultation with your advisor. Emphasis is placed upon the intersection of gender with race, class, ethnicity, age and sexuality and on issues of bias, inequality and privilege. Salem College offers a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. This minor pairs well with sociology, political science, and STEM majors.

Students in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies take interdisciplinary courses that emphasize the importance of understanding identities and lived experiences across all disciplines. They also have rich experiences interacting with community organizations as part of their coursework.

• As an interdisciplinary program, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers students the ability to better understand how gender disparities shape health and well-being, as well as the important contributions women have made throughout history.
• Recent health-related courses explore disability studies, gendered violence, maternal health disparities and sexuality.

Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies provide students with the opportunity to develop deeper insights into issues related to women, celebrating women’s achievements and appreciating women’s struggles against oppression. This enhances their opportunities to pursue graduate studies or specialize and excel in areas such as law, medicine, education, social work and government service.