The field of gender studies explores what gender is and how it affects the way the world works. It was born out of an acknowledgement that we have for a long time viewed the world from several default perspectives: white, male, straight, and cisgender \u2014 relating to people whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds to their birth sex. \n
Students of gender studies approach and examine this disparity through the lenses of history, humanities, social sciences, theory, and global context. They come to understand and learn to apply gender theory from the perspectives of feminist theory, queer theory, and men and masculinity studies. In short, they develop appreciation of human diversity and awareness of intersectionality, the acknowledgement that multiple social categories \u2014 race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and socioeconomic status \u2014 interact and intersect to influence lived experiences.
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.998486-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:38.982149-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 334, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Note** \r\nMany programs offer a gender studies curriculum in combination with women\u2019s studies. \r\n\r\n**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Gender Studies \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nAt the bachelor\u2019s level, students of gender studies gain a fundamental understanding of gender identity, sexuality, and gendered representation and how they characterize and impact the human experience. The perspectives from which the curriculum explores these dynamics include anthropology, history, language, politics, psychology, rhetoric, writing and public discourse, and sociology. \r\n\r\nHere are examples of core courses that may be offered in a gender studies bachelor\u2019s program: \r\n\r\n- Introduction to Gender Studies \u2013 introduction to questions in which gender is a significant category of analysis: the construction of gender identity and sexuality, the relationship of gender to past and present social and cultural institutions, gendered representations in the arts and literature, feminist and related theoretical approaches to various disciplines \r\n- Problems with Privilege \u2013 how various structures of discrimination and privilege, such as sexism and racism, intersect and influence our daily lived experience as well as our social institutions and policies \r\n- Men and Masculinities \u2013 what it means to be a man, to be constructed and construed (or not) as a man; how masculinity is experienced; the concept of toxic masculinity; challenging \u2018appropriate\u2019 ideologies of masculinity; how alternative and non-dominant masculinities evolve \r\n- Rhetoric, Gender, and Sexuality \u2013 examination of how rhetoric rooted in gender and sexuality creates, reinforces, adjusts, and sometimes overcomes sex and gender based bias in society; how rhetorical constructs of gender and sexuality form the basis for social, political, and economic conditions and experience for many; discussion of communication in the media, daily discourse, the law, politics, and personal experiences \r\n- Trauma: Race- and Gender-Based Violence \u2013 exploration of race- and gender-based violence and trauma, its personal and collective impacts, and the social, cultural, and political actions required to respond to it \r\n- Queer Studies \u2013 introduction to some key authors and texts in queer theory / queer studies, which developed in the early 1990s out of the intersection of feminist theory, sexuality studies, and queer activism \r\n- Affect Theory and Gender \u2013 \u2018affect theory\u2019 is the idea that feelings and emotions are the primary motives for human behavior, with people desiring to maximize their positive feelings and minimize their negative ones; this course focuses on the role of emotions and feelings in the formation of gendered experiences \r\n- Feminism and Psychoanalysis \u2013 discussion of various authors\u2019 psychoanalytic critique of the subject of gender and of questions of gender and sexual difference; is sexual difference a metaphysical condition? \r\n- Feminist and Queer Legal Theory \u2013 gender, sexuality, and the law; the relationship between queer theory and feminist theory; related legal doctrines and norms; legal issues such as marriage equality, sexual harassment, workers\u2019 rights, and privacy \r\n- Social Bodies, Diverse Identities: the Anthropology of Sex and Gender \u2013 why sex and gender are invaluable to understanding the human condition; cross-cultural expressions of sex and gender; examination of theoretical developments in the field \r\n- Queerness in Contemporary Latin American and US Latinx Narrative \u2013 queer narratives from the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States; tracing the configurations of race and class, ethnicity and nationality, and immigration and legal status that typically intersect with queerness \r\n- Capstone Project \u2013 a research project and presentation that puts into practice the knowledge and skills gained over the course of study", "content_markdown": "**Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies \u2013 Up to One Year Duration** \r\nThe graduate certificate program in gender studies allows students to acquire additional academic credentials without committing to a full master\u2019s program. The certificate or diploma curriculum is often attractive to individuals seeking further professional development within their careers. The durations of these programs vary greatly, as some focus on one specific aspect of gender studies while others take a wider approach to the subject matter. \r\n\r\n**Master\u2019s Degree in Gender Studies \u2013 One to Two Year Duration** \r\nThe Master\u2019s Degree in Gender Studies provides an opportunity to critically examine \u2013 at an advanced level \u2013 how gender shapes our identities, our social interactions, and our world. Students may explore power relations (interactions between different groups in a society, the ability of one group to control others) and the way those relations are shaped and challenged by intersecting constructs of gender, race, class, sexuality, age, ability, and nationality. Some schools offer more than the traditional thesis track to earn the degree. Other common options are the project track and the internship track. \r\n\r\n**Doctoral Degree in Gender Studies \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nGender studies considers gender and sexuality across a very broad range of cultural contexts and histories. The doctoral program in the field, therefore, gives students a great deal of freedom as to how they structure their studies and dissertation. Their research may address ideas about femininity, masculinity, and sexuality through investigation of theories, case studies, media, art, and globalization. They may develop practical and policy initiatives that promote equality and social justice. In other words, doctoral candidates have diverse opportunities to contribute original, new knowledge to the field of gender studies. \r\n\r\nBelow is a list of sample gender studies graduate level courses. Specific courses taken by students pursuing a graduate certificate, master\u2019s, or doctorate in the field will vary depending on each student\u2019s chosen area of focus. \r\n\r\n- Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective \r\n- Gender, Globalization, and Development \r\n- Genders, Bodies, and Sexualities \r\n- Art and Gender \r\n- Sex and Gender: Present and Future \r\n- Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome \r\n- Anthropology of Gender and Sexuality \r\n- Anthropology of Kinship and Family \r\n- Sex, Gender, and Power \r\n- The Politics of Sex \r\n- International Gender Politics \r\n- Film Noir: History and Sexuality \r\n- Gender in Hispanic Cultures", "content_html": "
Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies \u2013 Up to One Year Duration
\nThe graduate certificate program in gender studies allows students to acquire additional academic credentials without committing to a full master\u2019s program. The certificate or diploma curriculum is often attractive to individuals seeking further professional development within their careers. The durations of these programs vary greatly, as some focus on one specific aspect of gender studies while others take a wider approach to the subject matter.
\n
Master\u2019s Degree in Gender Studies \u2013 One to Two Year Duration
\nThe Master\u2019s Degree in Gender Studies provides an opportunity to critically examine \u2013 at an advanced level \u2013 how gender shapes our identities, our social interactions, and our world. Students may explore power relations (interactions between different groups in a society, the ability of one group to control others) and the way those relations are shaped and challenged by intersecting constructs of gender, race, class, sexuality, age, ability, and nationality. Some schools offer more than the traditional thesis track to earn the degree. Other common options are the project track and the internship track.
\n
Doctoral Degree in Gender Studies \u2013 Four Year Duration
\nGender studies considers gender and sexuality across a very broad range of cultural contexts and histories. The doctoral program in the field, therefore, gives students a great deal of freedom as to how they structure their studies and dissertation. Their research may address ideas about femininity, masculinity, and sexuality through investigation of theories, case studies, media, art, and globalization. They may develop practical and policy initiatives that promote equality and social justice. In other words, doctoral candidates have diverse opportunities to contribute original, new knowledge to the field of gender studies.
\n
Below is a list of sample gender studies graduate level courses. Specific courses taken by students pursuing a graduate certificate, master\u2019s, or doctorate in the field will vary depending on each student\u2019s chosen area of focus.
\n
\n- Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
\n- Gender, Globalization, and Development
\n- Genders, Bodies, and Sexualities
\n- Art and Gender
\n- Sex and Gender: Present and Future
\n- Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome
\n- Anthropology of Gender and Sexuality
\n- Anthropology of Kinship and Family
\n- Sex, Gender, and Power
\n- The Politics of Sex
\n- International Gender Politics
\n- Film Noir: History and Sexuality
\n- Gender in Hispanic Cultures
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:39.000644-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-06T11:58:15.648164-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 334, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Gender Studies", "summary_markdown": "**[American Studies](/degrees/american-studies-degree/)** \r\nAs the name implies, students who major in American Studies study the United States, its history, literature, politics, economy, people, and popular culture. Increasingly, programs in this field incorporate examination of the wider Americas and the Caribbean. \r\n\r\n**[Anthropology](/degrees/anthropology-degree/)** \r\nStudents of anthropology study the evolutionary history of people, how they interact, how they adapt to various environments, how they communicate and socialize with one another, and how their bodies and cultures have changed over time. The field attempts to answer big questions on many of the fundamentals of human culture, from gender to political systems to violence, religion, race, and economics. \r\n\r\n**[English](/degrees/english-degree/)** \r\nIn English degree programs, students read, study, and write about the literature and culture of the English-speaking world. Coursework also includes the history, linguistic structure, and use of the English language. \r\n\r\n**[History](/degrees/history-degree/)** \r\nHistory is the study of change over time. Degree programs in the field examine political history, diplomatic/international relations history, cultural/ideological history, social/living standards history, economic history, intellectual/philosophical history, and military/armed conflict history. \r\n\r\n**[Humanities](/degrees/humanities-degree/)** \r\nThe humanities examine the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the human condition and experience. Coursework in the field spans many subject areas, from psychology, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and religion to language, communication, history, arts, and ethics. The goal is to learn how to learn and how to continue learning about humanity and the development of culture and society, past, present, and future.", "content_markdown": "**[Liberal Arts](/degrees/liberal-arts-degree/)** \r\nAn education in liberal arts is broad and diverse. Therefore, students who pursue a degree in the field can choose courses from several subject areas. Programs encompass coursework in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. This degree equips students with a well-rounded, foundational education that can be applied in almost any occupation. \r\n\r\n**[Political Science](/degrees/political-science-degree/)** \r\nPolitical science degree programs focus on the theory and practice of government and politics. \u2018Poli sci\u2019 students learn about the structures of politics and government and issues like the nature of political power, the causes of conflict, and globalization. \r\n\r\n**[Public Policy](/degrees/public-policy-degree/)** \r\nStudents in a public policy degree program study the world of public affairs and leadership. They take courses from various disciplines to attempt to answer complex questions like: *What do we need to do to find solutions to social problems?* Classes span political science, law, criminal justice, economics, public administration, human services, and sociology. Coursework includes analysis of governments and other public institutions and how they tackle issues and policy problems. \r\n\r\n**[Sociology](/degrees/sociology-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in sociology are focused on studying groups, from two people and beyond. Sociology students examine human behavior patterns and relationships at both the micro-level and the macro-level. They study interactions between individuals as well as in families, peer groups, cultural groups, gender groups, racial groups, religious groups, and social classes. \r\n\r\n**[Women\u2019s Studies](/degrees/womens-studies-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in women\u2019s studies focus on feminism and the history, culture, and politics of women. Courses examine the categories of identity \u2013 gender, sexuality, race, class, age, ability, and geopolitical affiliation \u2013 as well as the social processes and structures that frame them.", "content_html": "
Liberal Arts
\nAn education in liberal arts is broad and diverse. Therefore, students who pursue a degree in the field can choose courses from several subject areas. Programs encompass coursework in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. This degree equips students with a well-rounded, foundational education that can be applied in almost any occupation.
\n
Political Science
\nPolitical science degree programs focus on the theory and practice of government and politics. \u2018Poli sci\u2019 students learn about the structures of politics and government and issues like the nature of political power, the causes of conflict, and globalization.
\n
Public Policy
\nStudents in a public policy degree program study the world of public affairs and leadership. They take courses from various disciplines to attempt to answer complex questions like: What do we need to do to find solutions to social problems? Classes span political science, law, criminal justice, economics, public administration, human services, and sociology. Coursework includes analysis of governments and other public institutions and how they tackle issues and policy problems.
\n
Sociology
\nDegree programs in sociology are focused on studying groups, from two people and beyond. Sociology students examine human behavior patterns and relationships at both the micro-level and the macro-level. They study interactions between individuals as well as in families, peer groups, cultural groups, gender groups, racial groups, religious groups, and social classes.
\n
Women\u2019s Studies
\nDegree programs in women\u2019s studies focus on feminism and the history, culture, and politics of women. Courses examine the categories of identity \u2013 gender, sexuality, race, class, age, ability, and geopolitical affiliation \u2013 as well as the social processes and structures that frame them.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:39.003097-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-06T11:59:29.739040-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 334, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "- Ability to analyze inequities and initiate change \r\n- Ability to understand texts, concepts, and theories \r\n- Ability to work independently and in groups \r\n- Capacity to debate and lead discussions \r\n- Capacity to summarize material \r\n- Creative and critical thinking, reasoning, and analysis \r\n- Cultural awareness \r\n- Persuasive writing \r\n- Research \r\n- Understanding of social and political processes and structures", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:39.006031-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-30T10:33:17.480379-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 334, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Gender Studies Degree?", "summary_markdown": "The interdisciplinary nature of a gender studies degree means that it can be applied in a particularly wide variety of career paths. Employers in every industry can benefit from the gender studies graduate\u2019s social justice perspective and understanding of diversity and equity and discrimination based on sex, gender, and sexuality. They can benefit from employees who understand gendered issues in the workplace \u2013 issues such as sexual harassment, flex-time, parental leave, pay equity, and equal employment opportunities.\r\n\r\n**Potential Sectors of Employment** \r\n- Arts \r\n- Communications and media / journalism \r\n- Counseling \r\n- Government \r\n- Health \r\n- Human / social services administration \r\n- Human resources \r\n- Human rights / social justice \r\n- Law \r\n- Law enforcement \r\n- Lobbying \r\n- Marketing / market research \r\n- Non-profit administration and fundraising \r\n- Politics \r\n- Public policy analysis \r\n- Teaching", "content_markdown": "**Potential Job Titles** \r\nSome roles may require further education and/or on-the-job training. \r\n- Artist / [Filmmaker](//www.bytmann.com/careers/filmmaker/) \r\n- [Clergy](//www.bytmann.com/careers/clergy/) \r\n- Communications Officer \r\n- Community Worker \r\n- Congressional Aide \r\n- Cultural Program Coordinator \r\n- Human Resources Coordinator / Manager \r\n- Human Rights Advocate \r\n- [Journalist](//www.bytmann.com/careers/journalist/) \r\n- [Lawyer](//www.bytmann.com/careers/lawyer/) \r\n- [Market Research Analyst](//www.bytmann.com/careers/market-research-analyst/) \r\n- [Marriage and Family Therapist](//www.bytmann.com/careers/marriage-therapist/) \r\n- [Midwife](//www.bytmann.com/careers/midwife/) \r\n- Non-profit Program Director \r\n- Outreach Worker \r\n- Researcher \r\n- [School Counselor](//www.bytmann.com/careers/school-counselor/) \r\n- [Social Worker](//www.bytmann.com/careers/social-worker/) \r\n- [Sociologist](//www.bytmann.com/careers/sociologist/) \r\n- [Teacher](//www.bytmann.com/careers/teacher/) \r\n- Union Organizer \r\n- [Writer](//www.bytmann.com/careers/author/) / [Editor](//www.bytmann.com/careers/editor/)", "content_html": "
Potential Job Titles
\nSome roles may require further education and/or on-the-job training.
\n- Artist / Filmmaker
\n- Clergy
\n- Communications Officer
\n- Community Worker
\n- Congressional Aide
\n- Cultural Program Coordinator
\n- Human Resources Coordinator / Manager
\n- Human Rights Advocate
\n- Journalist
\n- Lawyer
\n- Market Research Analyst
\n- Marriage and Family Therapist
\n- Midwife
\n- Non-profit Program Director
\n- Outreach Worker
\n- Researcher
\n- School Counselor
\n- Social Worker
\n- Sociologist
\n- Teacher
\n- Union Organizer
\n- Writer / Editor
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:39.010328-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-06T12:00:44.486714-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
