Sex is the biological difference between male and female; gender is the meaning of biological difference—the stereotypes, assumptions, and expectations society attaches to difference. We know, however, that gender alone cannot explain all of experience, so we study other factors such as race, class, culture, and sexuality as they combine with the sex/gender system to discriminate against women and gender minorities.
Women and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary program which combines the substance and methodologies of many disciplines—such as history, sociology, anthropology, communications, psychology, literature, law, and more—as we study women and gender. Because the Women and Gender Studies Program encompasses these varied disciplines, our faculty is comprised of instructors from all four colleges and the library, though the Program is technically considered part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Most of our courses are interdisciplinary, cross-listed with other academic programs.
Our perspectives are increasingly global. Our goal is to introduce women and men to the basic approaches to the study of women and gender in a variety of fields so that they will be prepared for the challenges of leadership in the 21st century.
In the classroom, we are committed to creating positive and participatory learning environments. We emphasize student-centered and cooperative learning, critical thinking, openness to ideas and discussion, and respect for others. We encourage students to make connections between thought and action, theory and practice, and the academy and the community, and we provide interested students with opportunities for internships, applied study terms, community-based projects, and research.
