Gender is the set of socially constructed behavioral and psychological characteristics associated with masculinity and femininity. Feminist theorists recognize that past generalizations about “women” have been false and over-simplistic. Individuals are not gendered simply as a man or woman, gender is constituted and understood within other hierarchical systems, such as race and class. Women’s Studies has made gender (and thus men) visible. In so doing, it has allowed the introduction of gender into academic discourse more generally. As such, it is vital that gender studies is included as an area of concentration in the curriculum for Women’s Studies. Moreover, it will function as an important contribution to the University curriculum as a whole. Gender Studies offers courses that explore the making and meaning of gender - femininity and masculinity - across cultures and social formations, past and present.  This includes men’s studies and queer studies.  Gender influences human options, conditions, and experiences and examines how the legal, political, economic, and cultural systems are all profoundly gendered.  Comprehensive understanding of gender patterns, dynamics, and biases can enhance the accuracy and scope of work in many fields. Gender awareness benefits individuals, communities, and organizations.

The following courses will form the area of concentration in Gender Studies. In some cases a course may count in two areas of concentration, but may only be taken for credit in one.

100-level Courses:

• WMS 104 (PHL 104): Identities: Gender, Race, Sexuality

200-level Courses:

• WMS 200 Special Topics in Women’s Studies
• WMS 228 (SOC 228): Sex Roles and Sexuality in American Society
• WMS 260 (POR 260): Gender and Sexuality in Lusophone Literatures

300-level Courses:

• WMS 300: Topics in Women’s Studies
  WMS 300 (SOC 300/ANT 300): Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity and Culture
• WMS 316 (HST 316): Gender in Medieval and Early Modern Europe (4)
• WMS 319 (SOC/ANT 319): Gender Variation and Sexual Orientation Across Cultures (3) 
• WMS 343: Teaching and Learning About Women
• WMS 350 (SOC/ANT 350): Readings in Sociological and Anthropological Literature I
• WMS 359 (SOC/ANT 359): Men and Masculinities
• WMS 370 (ENL 370): Women, Writing, and the Media 
• WMS 371 (POR 371/571): Gender and Society in Brazilian Cinema (3)
• WMS 375 (PSY 375): Psychology of Sex Difference 
• WMS 380 (ARH 380): Feminist Perspectives on Art History (4)
• WMS 391 (HST 391): Topics in African History (depending on topic) (4)

400-level Courses:

• WMS 490 Advanced Special Topic in Women’s Studies
• WMS 495 Independent Study

(2) May also be taken for the concentration in Politics, Justice and Policy(3) May also be taken for the concentration in Cross-Cultural Inquiry(4) May also be taken for the concentration in Arts and Letters