Academic Programs Catalog

College of Arts and Letters

Program in Women, Gender, and Social Justice

The Program in Women, Gender, and Social Justice is a cross–disciplinary academic unit that is administered jointly by the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Science and is affiliated with the Center for Gender in Global Context. The College of Arts and Letters is the primary administrative unit.

The Program offers a major in women's and gender studies leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree and two minors, which together provide in-depth opportunities to study gender and its intersections with other aspects of identity within the students' field of interest. The major provides up-to-date knowledge about women and gender in comparative, transnational, historical, and global perspectives and equips students with content knowledge, theories, and methods relevant to a variety of careers and professions.

Students in other departments, schools, and colleges may select Women's Studies courses for inclusion in cognates and as electives.


Undergraduate Programs


Women's and Gender Studies

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women's and Gender Studies

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Women's and Gender Studies.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Women's and Gender Studies major is met by completing Women's Studies 492. That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
    1. The following requirements for the major (33 to 35 credits). A student with a major in Women's and Gender Studies must earn a minimum grade–point average of 2.00 in the courses listed in items 3.a. below.
      a. All of the following courses (15 to 17 credits):
      WS 201 Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies 3
      WS 202 Introduction to Contemporary Feminisms and Gender Theories 3
      WS 203 Introduction to Methods for Women's and Gender Studies Research 3
      WS 492 Advanced Seminar in Women's and Gender Studies (W) 4
      WS 493 Internship 2 to 4
      The completion of Women's Studies 492 satisfies the capstone course requirement for the major in Women's and Gender Studies.
      b. Complete a minimum of 6 credits of courses listed below that explore gender in global perspective. Courses used to fulfill this requirement may not be used to fulfill requirement 3. c. below. Additional courses may be available to meet this requirement. Students should consult with their academic advisor.
      ANP 220 Gender Relations in Comparative Perspective 3
      ANP 270 Women and Health: Anthropological and International Perspectives 3
      ENG 360 Studies in Postcolonial and Diasporia Literature (W) 3
      GSAH 314 Race, Gender, and Global Identities 3
      HST 371 Women and Gender in Asia 3
      HST 413 Families in Historical Perspective 3
      HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
      LIN 225 Language and Gender 3
      PHL 452 Ethics and Development 3
      WS 403 Women and Change in Developing Countries 3
      c. Complete a minimum of 12 credits of courses from one of the four interdisciplinary areas listed below. Courses used to fulfill this requirement may not be used to fulfill any other requirement in the major. Additional courses may be available to meet this requirement. Students should consult with their academic advisor.
      Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and History
      ANP 330 Race, Ethnicity, and Nation: Anthropological Approaches to Collective Identity 3
      ANP 432 American Indian Women 3
      ANP 433 Contemporary American Indian Communities 3
      ENG 350 Readings in African, African-American, or African Diaspora Literature 3
      ENG 351 Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures 3
      ENG 354 Readings in Native American Literature 3
      GEO 418 The Ghetto 3
      HST 310 African American History to 1876 3
      HST 311 African American History since 1876 3
      HST 312 African American Women 3
      HST 313 Women in the United States to 1869 3
      HST 314 Women in the United States since 1869 3
      HST 317 American Jewish History 3
      HST 324 History of Sport in America 3
      HST 327 History of Mexican Americans in the United States 3
      HST 412 Women in Modern European History 3
      HST 413 Families in Historical Perspective 3
      HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
      MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
      MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
      MC 388 Sexual Politics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives 4
      MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
      SOC 215 Race and Ethnicity 3
      SOC 315 Family and Society 3
      SOC 361 Contemporary Communities 3
      WS 102 Navigating Sex and Gender in Everyday Life 2
      WS 307 Women of Color Feminisms 3
      Sexuality and Conflict/Violence
      ANP 220 Gender Relations in Comparative Perspective 3
      CJ 425 Women and Criminal Justice 3
      GEO 413 Urban Geography 3
      HDFS 145 The Individual, Couples and Families 3
      HDFS 445 Human Sexuality 3
      HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
      LB 336 Gender, Sexuality, Science, Technology (W) 4
      MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
      MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
      MC 388 Sexual Politics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives 4
      MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
      NEU 310 Psychology and Biology of Human Sexuality 3
      PSY 339 Psychology of Women 3
      SOC 216 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality 3
      WS 304 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Sexuality Studies 3
      WS 301 Sexual Violence Against Women and Children: Theory and Response 3
      WS 351 Gendered Violence and Intersections of Power 3
      WS 404 Women and the Law in the United States 3
      WS 424 Seminar in Queer Studies 3
      Gender and the Arts and Humanities
      ENG 130 Film and Society 4
      ENG 153 Introduction to Women Authors 4
      ENG 350 Readings in African, African-American, or African Diaspora Literature 3
      ENG 351 Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures 3
      ENG 353 Readings in Women Writers 3
      ENG 354 Readings in Native American Literature 3
      HST 310 African American History to 1876 3
      HST 311 African American History since 1876 3
      HST 312 African American Women 3
      HST 313 Women in the United States  to 1869 3
      HST 314 Women in the United States since 1869 3
      HST 324 History of Sport in America 3
      HST 317 American Jewish History 3
      HST 327 History of Mexican Americans in the United States 3
      HST 412 Women in Modern European History 3
      HST 413 Families in Historical Perspective 3
      HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
      MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
      PHL 356 Philosophical Aspects of Feminism 4
      PHL 456 Topics in Feminist Philosophy 4
      WS 102 Navigating Sex and Gender in Everyday Life 2
      WS 307 Women of Color Feminisms 3
      Students who select ENG 130, ENG 350, ENG 351, or ENG 354 must obtain approval from the academic advisor to ensure content is appropriate.
      Gender Applied: Health, Urban, and Public Policy
      ANP 270 Women and Health:  Anthropological and International Perspectives 3
      ANP 370 Culture, Health, and Illness 3
      ANP 436 Globalization and Justice:  Issues in Political and Legal Anthropology 3
      ANP 439 Human Rights:  Anthropological Perspectives 3
      CJ 425 Women and Criminal Justice 3
      EPI 390 Disease in Society: Introduction to Epidemiology and Public Health 4
      GEO 413 Urban Geography 3
      GEO 418 The Ghetto 3
      HDFS
      		448 Child and Family Policy 3
      MC 380 Social Policy 4
      MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
      NEU 310 Psychology and Biology of Human Sexuality 3
      PLS 304 Minority Politics 3
      PSY 339 Psychology of Women 3
      PSY 320 Health Psychology 3
      SOC 361 Contemporary Communities 3
      SOC 375 Urban Sociology 3
      SOC 475 Health and Society 3
      WS 304 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Sexuality Studies 3
      WS 404 Women and the Law in the United States 3
      WS 424 Seminar in Queer Studies 3


Minor in Women's and Gender Studies

The Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, which is administered by the Program in Women, Gender and Social Justice, provides students with in-depth opportunities to study gender and its intersections with other aspects of identity within the students’ field of interest.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies or the Specialization in Women, Gender, and Social Justice.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. College of Social Science students completing this minor to meet the College of Social Science Interdisciplinary Minor Requirement should refer to the section below for the Social Science Track.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in Women, Gender and Social Justice.

Requirements for the Minor in Women's and Gender Studies

Complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following:
1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
WS 201 Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies 3
WS 202 Introduction to Contemporary Feminisms and Gender Theories 3
2. Complete a minimum of 9 credits in courses from one of the following areas:
Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and History
ANP 330 Race, Ethnicity, and Nation: Anthropological Approaches to Collective Identity 3
ANP 425 Issues in Medical Anthropology 3
ANP 432 American Indian Women 3
ANP 433 Contemporary American Indian Communities 3
ENG 351 Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures 3
ENG 354 Readings in Native American Literature 3
GEO 418 The Ghetto 3
HST 310 African American History to 1876 3
HST 311 African American History since 1876 3
HST 312 African American Women 3
HST 313 Women in the United States to 1869 3
HST 314 Women in the United States since 1869 3
HST 317 American Jewish History 3
HST 324 History of Sport in America 3
HST 327 History of Mexican Americans in the United States 3
HST 412 Women in Modern European History 3
HST 413 Families in Historical Perspective 3
HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 388 Sexual Politics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
SOC 215 Race and Ethnicity 3
SOC 216 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality 3
SOC 315 Family and Society 3
SOC 361 Contemporary Communities 3
WS 102 Navigating Sex and Gender in Everyday Life 2
WS 307 Women of Color Feminisms 3
WS 203 Introduction to Methods for Women's and Gender Studies Research 3
Sexuality and Conflict/Violence
ANP 220 Gender Relations in Comparative Perspective 3
CJ 425 Women and Criminal Justice 3
GEO 413 Urban Geography 3
HDFS 145 The Individual, Couples and Families 3
HDFS 445 Human Sexuality 3
HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 388 Sexual Politics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives 4
MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
NEU 310 Psychology and Biology of Human Sexuality 3
PSY 339 Psychology of Women 3
SOC 216 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality 3
WS 203 Introduction to Methods for Women's and Gender Studies Research 3
WS 301 Sexual Violence Against Women and Children: Theory and Response 3
WS 304 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Sexuality Studies 3
WS 351 Gendered Violence and Intersections of Power 3
WS 404 Women and the Law in the United States 3
WS 424 Seminar in Queer Studies 3
Gender and the Arts and Humanities
ENG 130 Film and Society 4
ENG 153 Introduction to Women Authors 4
ENG 351 Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures 3
ENG 353 Readings in Women Writers 3
ENG 354 Readings in Native American Literature 3
ENG 482 Seminar in Feminist Literary and Cultural Theory 3
HST 310 African American History to 1876 3
HST 311 African American History since 1876 3
HST 312 African American Women 3
HST 313 Women in the United States  to 1869 3
HST 314 Women in the United States since 1869 3
HST 317 American Jewish History 3
HST 324 History of Sport in America 3
HST 327 History of Mexican Americans in the United States 3
HST 412 Women in Modern European History 3
HST 413 Families in Historical Perspective 3
HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
LIN 225 Language and Gender 3
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
PHL 356 Philosophical Aspects of Feminism 4
PHL 456 Topics in Feminist Philosophy 4
WS 102 Navigating Sex and Gender in Everyday Life 2
WS 307 Women of Color Feminisms 3
Gender Applied: Health, Urban, and Public Policy
ANP 270 Women and Health:  Anthropological and International Perspectives 3
ANP 370 Culture, Health, and Illness 3
ANP 436 Globalization and Justice:  Issues in Political and Legal Anthropology 3
ANP 439 Human Rights:  Anthropological Perspectives 3
CJ 425 Women and Criminal Justice 3
EPI 390 Disease in Society: Introduction to Epidemiology and Public Health 4
GEO 413 Urban Geography 3
GEO 418 The Ghetto 3
HDFS 448 Child and Family Policy 3
HST 425 American and European Health Care since 1800 4
LB 336 Gender, Sexuality, Science, Technology (W) 4
MC 380 Social Policy 4
MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
NEU 310 Psychology and Biology of Human Sexuality 3
PLS 304 Minority Politics 3
PSY 339 Psychology of Women 3
PSY 320 Health Psychology 3
SOC 361 Contemporary Communities 3
SOC 375 Urban Sociology 3
SOC 475 Health and Society 3
WS 203 Introduction to Methods for Women's and Gender Studies Research 3
WS 404 Women and the Law in the United States 3
A list of additional approved courses is maintained by the advisor in Women's and Gender Studies. Specific courses on this list will fulfill the minor requirements when the topics include sufficient content regarding women, gender, and one area.
Social Science Track
The following track is available to students enrolled in a College of Social Science major, to meet the college's minor requirement for graduation:
1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
PSY 339 Psychology of Women          3
WS 201 Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies  3
2. One of the following courses in the College of Social Science (3 credits):
ANP 220 Gender Relations in Comparative Perspective 3
ANP 270 Women and Health: Anthropological and International Perspectives 3
CJ 425 Women and Criminal Justice 3
HST 312 African American Women 3
HST 313 Women in the United States to 1869 3
HST 314 Women in the United States since 1869 3
HST 412 Women Modern European History 3
SOC 216 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality 3
3. Two of the following courses outside the College of Social Science (6 to 8 credits):
ENG 153 Introduction to Women Authors 4
ENG 353 Readings in Women Writers 3
     FLM 452 Studies in Film, Gender, and Sexuality 3
PHL 356 Philosophical Aspects of Feminism 4
REL 432 Modern Muslim Thought (W) 3
WS 202 Introduction to Contemporary Feminisms and Gender Theories 3
WS 301 Sexual Violence Against Women and Children:  Theory and Response 3
WS 491 Special Topics 3
Students who are also completing the Minor in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Sexuality Studies may only use WS 201, 202, or 304 in fulfillment of the requirements for both minors.


Minor in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Sexuality Studies

The Minor in Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Sexuality Studies is designed to provide opportunities for undergraduate students to obtain a comprehensive, global, cross/interdisciplinary academic experience in sexualities, gender identity and expression, and queer identities and activism. The minor complements a wide range of majors and is especially suited for students who plan to work with and advocate for issues of diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural understandings. The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University and administered by the Program in Women, Gender and Social Justice.

With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student's program. College of Social Science students completing this minor to meet the College of Social Science Interdisciplinary Minor Requirement should refer to the section below for the Social Science Track.

Requirements for the Minor in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Sexuality Studies

Students must complete 15 credits, with a minimum of five courses, from the following:
1. The following course (3 credits):
WS 304 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Sexuality Studies 3
2. Two of the following courses (5 to 8 credits):
ENG 355 Readings in Sexuality and Literature 3
ENG 448 Seminar in Gender and Literature 3
HA 491 Special Topics in History of Art 4
HDFS 445 Human Sexuality 3
HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
MC 388 Sexual Politics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives 4
MUS 424 Music, Sexuality, and Gender 2
PSY 310 Psychology and Biology of Human Sexuality 3
WS 102 Navigating Sex and Gender in Everyday Life 2
WS 424 Seminar in Queer Studies 3
Students must consult with the minor advisor prior to enrollment in English 448 and History of Art 491 to ensure that these courses contain adequate LGBTQ studies content as the content varies by instructor.
3. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
ANP 220 Gender Relations in Comparative Perspective 3
FLM 452 Studies in Film, Gender, and Sexuality 3
LIN 225 Language and Gender 3
TE 448 Issues of Diversity in Children’s and Adolescent Literature 3
THR 336 Sex, Sexuality, and Theatre 3
WS 201 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies 3
WS 202 Introduction to Contemporary Feminisms and Gender Theories 3
WS 492 Advanced Seminar in Women’s and Gender Studies (W) 4
Students must consult with the minor advisor prior to enrollment in Teacher Education 448 to ensure that these courses contain adequate LGBTQ studies content as the content varies by instructor. A list of other courses that may be appropriate as electives is available from the specialization advisor. Students who select WS 492 to fulfill this requirement may not use that course to fulfill the capstone requirement in item 4. below.
4. One of the following capstone courses (3 or 4 credits):
WS 424 Seminar in Queer Studies 3
WS 490 Independent Study 3 or 4
WS 492 Advanced Seminar in Women's and Gender Studies (W) 4
WS 493 Internship 3 or 4
Students must consult with the advisor prior to enrollment in a capstone course to ensure that the course contains adequate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Studies content as the content varies by Instructor. A list of other courses that may be appropriate as a capstone course is available from the advisor. Students who select WS 424 to fulfill this requirement may not use that course to fulfill requirement 2. above. Students who select WS 492 to fulfill this requirement may not use that course to fulfill requirement 3. above.
Students who are also completing the Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies may only use WS 201, 202, or 304 in fulfillment of the requirements for both minors.
 
Social Science Track
The following option is available to students enrolled in a College of Social Science major, to meet that college’s
minor requirement for graduation.
1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
WS 304 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Sexuality Studies 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ANP 220 Gender Relations in Comparative Perspective 3
HDFS 445 Human Sexuality 3
PSY 310 Psychology and Biology of Human Sexuality 3
SOC 216 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality 3
3. Two of the following courses (6 or 7 credits):
ENG 355 Readings in Sexuality and Literature 3
THR 336 Sex, Sexuality, and Theatre 3
WS 201 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies 3
WS 301 Sexual Violence Against Women and Children: Theory and Response 3
WS 424 Seminar in Queer Studies 3
WS 492 Advanced Seminar in Women’s and Gender Studies (W) 4
Students who are also completing the Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies may only use WS 201, 202, or
304 in fulfillment of the requirements for both minors.


Graduate Study


Interdisciplinary Graduate Specialization in Women's and Gender Studies

The Graduate Specialization in Women's and Gender Studies is designed for completion by either master’s or doctoral students. The graduate specialization is administered by the Program in Women, Gender and Social Justice in the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Science.

The graduate specialization in Women's and Gender Studies is designed to provide opportunities for graduate students to obtain a comprehensive, cross/interdisciplinary academic experience in women and gender and to foster the growth of interdisciplinary research and teaching on women and gender. Emphasis is given to understanding the diversity of women’s lives nationally and globally.

The graduate specialization is open to graduate students with adequate undergraduate preparation in women and gender. The specialization should complement advanced, discipline-based degrees by providing an interdisciplinary, feminist component.

Graduate students who are interested in enrolling should contact the advisor for the specialization.

With the approval of the advisor for the specialization, courses that are used to satisfy requirements in the student’s graduate degree program may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Women's and Gender Studies.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Women's and Gender Studies

The student must complete 12 credits of course work distributed as follows and as approved by advisor for the specialization.

1. Women’s Studies 897.
2. Nine additional credits in courses with women and gender content selected from the following with at least 3 credits at the 800-level or above:
ANP 431 Gender, Environment and Development 3
ANP 432 American Indian Women 3
ANP 859 Gender, Justice and Environmental Change: Methods and Application 3
CJ 425 Women and Criminal Justice 3
CSUS 858 Gender, Justice and Environmental Change: Issues and Concepts 3
ENG 448 Seminar in Gender and Literature 3
ENG 482 Seminar in Feminist Literary and Cultural Theory 3
FLM 452 Studies in Film, Gender, and Sexuality 3
HST 412 Women in Modern European History 3
HST 420 History of Sexuality since the 18th Century 3
HST 860 Seminar in Women’s History 3
MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
PHL 456 Topics in Feminist Philosophy 4
SOC 831 Intersections of Class, Race, and Gender 3
SOC 833 Gender and Power 3
SOC 839 Structural Inequalities and Families 3
SOC 931 Topics in Structural Inequality 3
SPN 876 Seminar in Gender Studies in the Hispanic World 3
WS 403 Women and Change in Developing Countries 3
WS 404 Women and the Law in the United States 3
Additional courses may be available to meet this requirement. Students should consult with the academic advisor.