What is gender studies?
Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the cultural, historical, and biological factors that constitute gender, sex, and sexuality. It analyzes variations in gender roles across cultures and over time, examines relationships between biological differences and social power, and investigates the complex interaction of gender with sexuality, race, and class. Gender Studies also aims to transform unjust or coercive social systems based on gender.
Why study gender?
As a college for men, Wabash College defines itself, in part, through the sex of its student body. Wabash’s gender studies minor helps students explore the factors that constitute sex, gender, and sexuality and relationships between them. Determined and committed faculty teach students vocabulary and theories from the field of gender studies as well as from a variety of additional disciplines.
The gender studies minor also prepares students for leadership and service in a diverse and changing society. In addition to examining gender, sex, and sexuality, students recognize how intersectionality and diversity shape lived experience. This recognition helps students understand how to promote equality in the face of systems that exert power over people due to their identities.
What kinds of classes might I take in gender studies?
If you minor in gender studies, you will take GEN 101 Introduction to Gender Studies, which explores questions about the meaning of gender in society. You will also take three courses that approach the study of gender from another disciplinary perspective. Popular examples include History of Masculinity and Men (History), Fatherhood (Psychology), Philosophy of Gender (Philosophy), Gender and Communication (Rhetoric), and World Cinema (Theater). During your junior or senior year, you will enroll in GEN 390 Feminist Theories and Methods. In this course, you will develop a more sophisticated understanding of theories and methods of gender studies and apply them to current events and lived experience. For a full course listing, check out our curriculum. The program is administered by the Gender Issues Committee.
What can you do with a minor in gender studies?
Students minoring in gender studies will enhance their preparation for careers in a wide variety of areas, including human services, law, government, teaching, the arts, clinical work, social work, public relations, advertising, and journalism. Wabash graduates with foundational knowledge in gender studies may also pursue further study of gender as graduate students in a wide range of academic fields.
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Annual Awards Chapel Honors Students
The annual Student Awards Chapel honored the academic and overall achievement of several members of the Wabash community.