Roadmap: B.A. in Gender Studies

The Gender Studies major will provide students with an interdisciplinary, liberal arts education that will support them in a wide range of careers and enhance their ability to participate actively in diverse communities. By design, the major emphasizes critical investigation of gender theory and research, historical and contemporary experiences, multi-ethnic and transnational understanding, and applied learning. Gender Studies examines how ideologies regarding sex, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression have influenced and been influenced by institutions, political and cultural practices, scientific and technological advancement, artistic expressions, belief systems, and work and social environments. Students explore and evaluate the intersections of gendered identities with such categories as race/ethnicity, economic class, age, ablebodiedness, religion, nationality and geographic location. In addition, students pursuing a Gender Studies major will graduate with strong critical thinking skills, extensive experience with oral and written communication, experience applying their knowledge through community-based and research projects, experiences working as part of diverse teams, and an appreciation for civic engagement.

This Roadmap is a recommended advising map to complete the degree program in four years. Please consult your academic advisor as you develop your academic plan. Up to six units of lower division coursework may be applied to the Major, and can reduce the number of upper division courses needed (depending on concentration selected). Lower division courses include: GEND/SOCL 2010 - Sociology of Sexual Behavior (does not count toward GE, included in ENS concentration), GEND 2020 - Women’s and Feminist Activism (GE Area D2, satisfies the Historical Perspectives requirement in the major, and is in the HSI and ENS concentrations), GEND 2040 - Introduction to LGBT Studies (GE Area D2 and is included in the HSI and ENS concentrations), GEND 2110 - Trans Identities and Issues (GE Area D2 and is included in the HSI concentration), GEND 2500 - Women’s Lives and Sustainable Happiness (GE Area E, and included in the HSI concentration).