Course Information
Here we provide information on course requirements, course descriptions and an Academic Rhode Map for each program, a semester-by-semester plan to help you toward graduation in four years.
Gender and Women’s Studies BA and Minor Program Specifics
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Program Update
Enrollment in this program is currently suspended. While new applications are not being accepted, current students will be fully supported through program completion. If you are exploring related fields of study, our Admissions team can help you identify alternative programs that match your interests and goals.
An Interdisciplinary Program
Courses in the BA in gender and women's studies major include contemporary feminist theory; an examination of the lives of men and women through the lens of feminism; and an analytical look at how race, gender and class – interconnected systems that shape individual and collective social experiences – are constructed, experienced and negotiated within specific historical eras and locations.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this program, many of our students are able to pursue a double major or combine a major in one program with a minor in another. We also offer a minor in gender and women's studies and a minor in queer studies.
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- discover and communicate new knowledge about women
- examine and reinterpret existing knowledge about women
- synthesize and integrate understanding of women into the disciplines
- have an understanding of women in contemporary society
- understand theoretical analyses of gender
- have an understanding of and respect for difference in regards to gender, age, ability, class, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation and national origin
Minor Program Options
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Minor in Gender and Women’s Studies
Queer Studies Minor
Queer Studies is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that examines the histories, lives, identities, experiences and struggles of queer people. Queerness is an umbrella term that is broadly used to refer to individuals and identities that are (currently) understood as culturally non-normative, especially of genders and sexualities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and others. The queer studies minor at RIC is designed to challenge students to think critically about human diversity, including the role of intersectionality (overlapping and intersecting social identities). This minor compliments a variety of majors and disciplines.
Program Director
