A minor in gender studies examines the relationship between biological differences and social inequality, explores the construction of sexual identity, and analyzes the variations in gender systems that have occurred across cultures over time. Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the biological, social, and cultural construction of femininity and masculinity.
Gender defines relationships among women, among men, and between women and men.
A minor in Gender Studies examines the relationship between biological differences and social inequality, explores the construction of sexual identity, and analyzes the variations in gender systems that have occurred across cultures and over time. Gender Studies offers students an opportunity for focused study of such varied issues as the biology of human reproduction, sex roles in the family and society, the psychology of gender identity, and images of men and women in literature, film, and popular culture. Through their participation, students will gain a rich understanding of gender as a social construction, one that intersects with class, race, age, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation and identity. Students will explore the methods and concepts of gender studies in a variety of academic disciplines, integrating, for instance, sociology, psychology, literature, philosophy, film, economics, and law. The minor engages students in the political and philosophical exploration of strategies for transforming unequal gender systems and enhancing individual choices and our common humanity.