Program Description

The Women and Gender Studies program offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the diverse experiences and contributions of women, and on issues related to gender.

The program addresses the gendered dimensions of cultural identities, social roles, collective history, and literary and artistic traditions. As this scholarship necessarily transcends the boundaries of the disciplines, students in all majors will benefit from learning about women’s issues and gender issues.

The program offers students the opportunity to acquire perspectives and skills to uncover and analyze the ideological dimensions of gender and to participate in social change.

Moreover, the program will help undergraduate students to better prepare for their professional futures, whether in graduate study or serving the needs of clients, patients, students, and other constituencies.

The Sisters of Mercy tradition that informs all learning at Saint Xavier, with its emphasis on helping women, children, the poor, and the marginalized, is especially reflected in this program.

In addition to academic course work, the Women and Gender Studies Program sponsors public events throughout the year. These include panel discussions, film screenings, lectures, and book discussions.

Minor in Women and Gender Studies

The minor consists of 18 credit hours (six courses). One introductory course, WMSTU 232 Introduction to Women & Gender Studies, is required and, if possible, should be taken prior to or in conjunction with other women and gender studies courses, which may be chosen from the range of courses offered across the curriculum.

All the courses in the minor must have gender as an organizational focus. No more than two courses in any one discipline can be counted towards the minor.

In addition to a regular repertoire of course, the program benefits from the periodic offering of special topics courses within the academic departments, such as - "Jurisprudence & Gender", "American Women in the Arts", "Gender & Latin American" and "Feminism & Ethics".

Please note that many Women and Gender Studies Courses also fulfill University core requirements. Consult the Director for advising.