Courses

GSWS courses come from disciplines that span the humanities and social sciences. Most class sizes are small so everyone can take part in class discussions. Many of our courses are discussion-centered and all are inter-disciplinary. In class, you will question norms and work with classmates on projects that impact the community. 

You will explore questions about society, the humanities, and the sciences by

• challenging perspectives in which women or LGBTIQ people are absent or peripheral;
• critically examining cultural assumptions about gender, race, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation; and by
• applying knowledge to real-world situations and research.

If you want to sample a GSWS course, we recommend that you start with a Freshman Seminar (GSWS 150W), Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS 205), or Topics in GSWS (GSWS 290).

First Semester Course Guide by Major

The Undergraduate Catalog lists all GSWS courses that are offered. Not every course is offered every semester. Topics vary by semester in seminar and topics courses. PATH's class search will let you know which courses are offered next semester.  

• Courses that complement other areas of study
• Courses that Fulfill the Humanities Requirement for the Major and Minor
• Courses that Fulfill the Social Sciences Requirement for the Major and Minor
• Frequently Taught Topics

What to Expect

What type of readings are involved in first-and-second-year courses? (e.g. articles, textbook) How much reading should a student expect to do per week?  

Students will read articles and books and watch films. On average, courses expect about 50 pages of reading per week. 

What sorts of assignments should a student expect in first-and-second-year courses? (e.g. quizzes, group projects, presentations) 

Students should expect essays, zines, podcasts, presentations, quizzes, reading responses, and discussion leading. 

Beyond the required course texts, are there other course materials a student should be prepared to purchase for first-and-second-year courses? 

Students will not need to purchase course materials beyond the required course texts.