Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (BA/BS)

The major in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies explores gender and sexuality in all areas of life – political, cultural, economic and bodily dimensions. Through interdisciplinary courses, students examine how gender, race, class, sexualities, and abilities shape personal identities, beliefs, opportunities, and behaviors. They also explore multiple dimensions of power in courses on black feminist theories, transnational feminisms, and feminist histories, literature and the arts. The department is committed to critical views and ideas that encourage possibilities for transformation and change.

In the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, students challenge the status quo by asking questions of themselves and the communities and worlds around them. The department’s majors revisit and revise histories, understand and evaluate economic disparities, and through creative problem solving, learn to effect social change.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Develop a broad understanding of feminist studies, histories, and theories through interdisciplinary, intersectional, and transnational conceptual lenses.
• Develop skills in critical thinking and analysis through feminist research and methods.
• Communicate complex information and ideas (e.g., feminist theory) in a written manner that is clear and accessible.
• Apply feminist knowledge and skills to real-world problems in order to participate in social justice activism and civic engagement.

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Major Requirements

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Students may choose one of two options to satisfy the eight-course requirement:

• Choose three 300-level courses and five 400-level courses
• Choose four 300-level courses and four 400-level courses

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Offered fall term only.

Pre-Approved non-WGS Courses

8 credits of pre-approved courses in non-WGS subject codes may be applied toward the major. An additional 4 credits may be approved with departmental approval from the WGS Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Graded courses in the major must be completed with grades of C– or higher. No more than 8 credits taken pass/no pass in these courses may be counted toward the major.

At least 36 credits must be in upper-division courses; of those 36 credits, as many as 12 may be approved in other subject codes with advisor approval. At least 16 credits applied to the major must be taken at the University of Oregon. Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies (WGS) majors must attain a grade point average of 2.50 or higher in courses applied to the major. No more than 8 credits from another major or minor may count toward the major.

Senior Honors Thesis

Students interested in producing a substantial piece of original research and writing may elect to write a senior thesis in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.

To be eligible to write an honors thesis, students should have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 in WGS courses. Students who satisfy the major requirements, maintain throughout their undergraduate studies at Oregon a GPA of 3.50 or above in courses in the major, and submit a copy of the honors thesis approved by their committee to the department receive a baccalaureate degree with honors in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.

Thesis Criteria

A thesis must be based on a student’s original research. Depending on the discipline, it can be a written paper that presents the results of the research. Theses average between 30 and 50 pages, including notes and bibliographies.

Only theses that meet the following criteria will be approved and awarded honors:

• Identifies a clear and original topic or research question
• Demonstrates knowledge of the literature concerning that topic or research question in the field of gender studies by reviewing that body of literature and providing a substantive bibliography
• Provides an analysis of the topic or research question, using clearly identified methodology
• It uses the citational style appropriate to its disciplinary focus
• The thesis is mindful of the relationships among gender, race, class, ability, and national identity as these pertain to the object of study

Students producing a senior thesis should expect to do the following work over the course of a full year prior to their graduation. In the spring and summer before the thesis writing begins, students need to identify a primary advisor (first reader) and a second reader, both of whom are either a faculty member in the department or an affiliated faculty member (see faculty list). If an affiliated faculty member is the first reader, then the instructor of Reading and Conference: [Topic] (WGS 405) will be the second reader.

In fall, students should register for Reading and Conference: [Topic] (WGS 405) (1–4 variable credits) with their thesis advisor and submit a timeline for completion of the thesis to the thesis advisor.

By the end of the fall term, students should complete a draft of a research proposal that is five to eight pages in length and includes a literature review, a short section on the methods that will be used, research questions or a thesis statement (depending on the discipline), and a bibliography.  

Research proposals must be approved by the thesis advisor and a copy must be submitted to the department. If an affiliate faculty member is the thesis advisor, the proposal must be approved by the student's primary advisor in the department as well.

In winter, students should register for Thesis (WGS 403). Using the timeline submitted in the fall, students spend winter term conducting research and writing the thesis in consultation with their advisor. By the end of winter term, research should be complete and thesis writing should be significantly underway.

In spring, students write, revise, and produce a final draft of the thesis following the timeline submitted in the fall. By no later than the end of the fifth week of the term, students must submit their final thesis to their departmental advisor, their affiliate advisor, or both. Upon approval, students must submit a copy of their final thesis to the department head.

The student’s performance on the thesis and on courses taken during the senior year will be reviewed before the honors distinction is granted. Obtain complete instructions and required forms from the department office.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

The degree plan shows courses that are solely within the department (subject code WGS) and suggestions for arranging general-education courses, language courses, and mathematics courses. The plans below do not necessarily include sufficient courses to meet the 180-credit minimum to graduate.

It is suggested that students look for courses that meet the multicultural requirements when taking general-education requirements.

Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies

Bachelor of Science in Women's and Gender Studies