Faculty: INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE PGROGRAMS This interdisciplinary major explores the social, cultural, and historical aspects of gender and its intersections with other identities such as race, class, and sexuality. Students examine key areas including feminist theory, gender and sexuality studies, social justice, and policy analysis. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research methodologies, and the understanding of contemporary gender issues. Graduates are prepared for careers in advocacy, policy, education, social work, and related fields. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of gender studies and feminist theory. - Develop skills in critical analysis, research, and advocacy. - Learn techniques for examining gender in various social, cultural, and historical contexts. - Explore the intersections of gender with other identities and systems of oppression. - Understand the role of policy and social justice in addressing gender issues. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in contemporary gender studies. - Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for advocacy and research projects. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Gender Studies** - Overview of gender studies, key concepts, and historical context. - Fundamentals of feminist theory and its evolution. 2. **Feminist Theory** - Principles of feminist theory, including liberal, radical, Marxist, and postmodern feminisms. - Techniques for applying feminist theories to contemporary issues. 3. **Gender and Sexuality Studies** - Exploration of gender and sexuality, including LGBTQ+ studies, queer theory, and sexual politics. - Techniques for analyzing gender and sexuality in various cultural and historical contexts. 4. **Intersectionality** - Principles of intersectionality, including the intersections of gender with race, class, and other identities. - Techniques for examining multiple and intersecting forms of oppression. 5. **Social Justice and Gender** - Fundamentals of social justice, including equity, diversity, and inclusion. - Techniques for advocating for gender equity and social justice. 6. **Gender and Policy Analysis** - Principles of policy analysis, including gender-responsive policymaking and advocacy. - Techniques for evaluating and influencing policies related to gender issues. 7. **Research Methods in Gender Studies** - Principles of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, and ethical considerations. - Techniques for conducting and evaluating research in gender studies. 8. **Gender in Global Contexts** - Exploration of gender issues in global and transnational contexts. - Techniques for analyzing gender in different cultural and international settings. 9. **Practicum in Gender Studies** - Real-world experiences in advocacy, policy, education, or social work settings. - Techniques for applying learned skills in practical gender studies settings. 10. **Capstone Project in Gender Studies** - Comprehensive project to apply learned skills in feminist theory, policy analysis, or advocacy. - Techniques for delivering a polished and impactful gender studies project. **Assessment Methods:** - Feminist theory analyses, gender and sexuality studies papers, intersectionality projects, social justice advocacy plans, policy analysis reports, research methodology papers, global context analyses, practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internships. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center" by bell hooks. - "Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity" by Judith Butler. - "Intersectionality" by Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge. - "Social Justice and Gender" by Iris Marion Young. - "Gender and Policy Analysis" by Sylvia Walby. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of social sciences, humanities, and gender studies. Suitable for students interested in advocacy, policy, education, social work, and gender equity. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practicum, and internships. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Gender Studies and pursue professional certifications in advocacy, policy analysis, or social work. **Target Audience:** Aspiring advocates, policymakers, educators, social workers, and professionals seeking to specialize in gender studies and promote gender equity. This major equips students with the critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills needed to excel in gender studies, supporting careers in advocacy, policy, education, and related fields.