Gender and Women's Studies Major (GIS)

Co-Directors: Travis Foster, Ph.D. and Kelly-Anne Diamond, Ph.D.
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About

Gender and Women’s Studies encourages critical analysis of gender and sexuality at local, national, and global levels—now and in the past. Our curriculum brings feminist and queer theory into conversation with fields of study across the University, from history to sociology to global finance, helping students discover new alternatives for thinking about the problems of the world and the contributions of its people. As teachers, we are profoundly influenced by feminist models of collaborative learning and shared authority. We recognize our students and their life experiences as sources of vital expertise, and we help them find a voice, a sense of community, and a purpose as agents of social change

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (30 credits)

The major in Gender and Women’s Studies provides an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to deepen students’ understandings of the history, culture, religion, politics, literature, and society. Students sign up for the major and choose their specialization through the Department of Global Interdisciplinary Studies. The GIS chair and GWS Academic Director will work closely with each student to develop their individual interests, abilities, and career goals while fulfilling the requirements for the major.

Course
Title
Credits
GWS Electives for B.A.  +
18
Sub-Total Credits
30

Core Curriculum Requirements (44 credits)

Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement (Proficiency)  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
44

Free Elective Requirement (48 credits)

Students with a Gender and Women's Studies primary major have forty-eight (48) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 30 credits
  • Core Credits: 44 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 48 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Gender and Women's Studies as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
30

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Fall 2023 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived handbook available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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