Bachelor of Arts - BA in Women's gender andScience studies - College of Arts and Science University of Oregon

The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the diverse experiences of women in both national and international contexts. The department also examines the meaning of gender as a socially constructed category that shapes personal identities, beliefs, opportunities, and behaviors. The wide range of courses explores the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality; the institutional structures that have an impact on women’s and men’s lives; and the broad range of feminist theory that seeks to explain and influence women’s status in society. Among the areas of emphasis in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies are gender and sexuality, queer studies, third-world feminism, cultural representation and literature, women and labor, feminist theory, critical race feminism, immigration and citizenship, and social activism. Core and affiliated faculty members in the department come from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives including history, literature, anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental studies, ethnic studies, philosophy, religious studies, architecture and fine arts, music, Romance and Germanic languages, political science, public policy, and law.Any student may take women’s, gender, and sexuality studies courses. Some students take a few courses to complement the curriculum in another major. Others choose to fulfill the requirements for a major in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies or a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies or in queer studies.Most women’s, gender, and sexuality studies courses satisfy group and multicultural requirements. For courses approved to fulfill these requirementsNo specific high school preparation is necessary. Students who transfer to the university from other colleges may apply as many as 8 credits of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies courses to the major or to the minors.An understanding of gender and of women’s experiences, abilities, and needs is an asset to careers in such fields as education, social service, government, business, law, medicine, the ministry, journalism, media, technology, counseling, and child care. In addition, a background in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies can be used as a basis for entering a growing number of graduate programs that emphasize the study of women or gender.

We exist to provide Oregonians and their peers from around the world access to an excellent education. We challenge our students to question critically, think logically, communicate clearly, act creatively, and live ethically. We serve the people of Oregon, our nation, and the world through research, teaching, and outreach that benefits humanity, drives innovation, strengthens the economy, and transforms lives. We strive for excellence in teaching, research, artistic expression, and the generation, dissemination, preservation, and application of knowledge. We are devoted to educating the whole person, and to fostering the next generation of transformational leaders and informed participants in the global community. Through these pursuits, we enhance the social, cultural, physical, and economic wellbeing of our students, Oregon, the nation, and the world.