Gender Studies B.A.

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View information for the Department of Sociology, Gerontology, and Gender Studies , including Learning Objectives for the department and its programs.

View the degree program Roadmap, which provide recommended advising maps to complete the degree program. Please consult your academic advisor as you develop your academic plan.

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. It is possible to complete the major requirements in a hybrid or online format.

Requirements

1. Complete the University General Education requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

(51 units)

Click here for General Education requirements .

2. There are no prerequisites to the major.

3. Complete the major.

Of not less than 30 units, no fewer than 24 at the upper-division level. No courses graded CR may be counted towards the major, except up to 9 units taken in courses graded exclusively CR/NC.

4. Students are required to complete a concentration.

Completion of a minor is recommended, but not required.

5. Students must achieve a C- grade or better in all courses that count toward fulfilling the requirements for the major.

The Major

(30 units minimum, at least 24 at the upper-division level)

Note:

Many GEND courses are cross-listed, meaning they are the same as courses in other disciplines; these courses are indicated by the word “or” in the lists below. Students may register for these courses under either name.

1. Core Courses

(13 units)

Complete ALL of the following:

2. Historical Perspectives

(3 units)

Complete ONE of the following:

3. Gender in Global and/or U.S. Ethnic Contexts

(3 units)

Complete ONE of the following:

4. Concentration

(12 units)

Select one of the following concentrations. Courses used to satisfy required courses in the major (see above) may be applied to the concentration requirements, although the credit hours will not double-count.

a. History, Society, and Inequality

(Choose any 12 units)

b. Culture, Ideology, and Representation

(choose any 12 units)

c. Ethnicity, Nationality, and Sexuality

(choose any 12 units)

Notes:

*depending on topic

**may be repeated with advisor’s or director’s approval

5. Upper-Division Gender Studies Electives

(0-11 units)

Upon approval from an adviser, elective units are to be selected from among courses listed under or cross-listed with Gender Studies to complete 30 total units for the major. The number of elective units depends upon the selection of courses used to satisfy major and concentration requirements. Courses addressing issues of sex, gender or sexuality that are not currently cross-listed with Gender Studies may be approved for inclusion in the Major with advisor’s or director’s approval.