View information for the Department of Sociology, Gerontology, and Gender Studies , including Learning Objectives for the department and its programs.
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, multiethnic and transnational understanding, and applied learning. Gender Studies examines how ideologies regarding biological 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.
Pending WASC approval, beginning in Fall 2014 students will have the option to complete a majority of units applied toward the major via online courses. Based on anticipated course rotations, students can expect to be able to complete as much as 90% of any degree concentration in a wholly online format, while the option to complete a degree in a wholly or primarily face-to-face formate will continue to be available. For an assessment of your readiness to take courses online, go to http://teachonline.csustan.edu/selfassessment.php Information about campus-based supports for online students is available at http://www.csustan.edu/StudentServices/