Faculty: Professors Firkus, Quick, Stubblefield, and Tietz; Associate Professors Clyde, Roy and Verklan (coordinator)
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) is inherently interdisciplinary, and courses in the major incorporate the threads of women’s leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness. Students take courses across the curriculum; gain practical experience through internships, service learning, and experiential learning; complete a capstone project; and are well-prepared for graduate school or the world of work.
As an interdisciplinary field of study, students majoring in WGS are required to complete 18 additional hours outside of their WGS curriculum. This requirement ensures that all students majoring in WGS complete a minor or second major in an additional field of study. A significant portion of these additional credit hours may simultaneously count towards other degree requirements. Students are encouraged to discuss their degree plans with their major advisor to ensure efficient degree completion.
The major prepares students for many different kinds of careers and post-graduate plans, including non-profit work, social work, public health, law, graduate school, public policy, medicine and health, midwifery, the creative arts, entrepreneurship, and more.
Students interested in majoring or minoring in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies should contact Professor Verklan at: everklan@cottey.edu.
Bachelor of Arts - Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Program Goals
Recognizes the Roles of Women
The student has awareness and understanding of both the cultural and historical experiences of diverse women and the role of gender in the broader societal structure.
The student demonstrates an understanding of feminist theory and its applications both in and outside the academy.
Thinks Critically
The student demonstrates facility with a variety of academic perspectives, both intersectional and interdisciplinary, concerning the significance of gender on a personal, interpersonal, and societal level.
The student demonstrates awareness and understanding of difference as a structural component to societal and transnational processes and institutions that produces material consequences.
Communicates Effectively
The student uses appropriate communicative means to contribute ideas and engage others.
Foundational
*WGS 105 is a program prerequisite, meaning students must take WGS 105 before enrolling in any upper-division WGS course.
Electives in Major
(Nine WGS and WGS cross-listed courses)
- At least two courses must be from the humanities/ fine arts.
- At least two courses must be from the social sciences/natural sciences.
- At least one course must have a non-Western focus. [This requirement can be fulfilled simultaneously with one of the preceding two.]
- No more than two electives can be taken below the 200 level, and at least three of the electives must be taken above the 200 level.
- Up to three courses may be counted simultaneously for the WGS major and another major or minor.
Supporting Requirements (21-35)
Foreign Language
Two semesters of the same language
Math
No minimum grade; no dual fulfillment
Two upper-division Writing-Intensive Courses
Dual fulfillment allowed
Fulfillment of a minor or second major
*Please note: the minimum credit hours necessary towards fulfillment of the minor and/or second major will depend on how the student selects courses for the Cottey core, additional degree requirements, and WGS electives.