Gender Studies
"We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn." - Mary Catherine Bateson (author, cultural anthropologist)
Why should I take gender studies?
As an academic area of study, gender studies considers the various ways we construct differences from one another, based on gender and other identities. It asks what these differences mean in terms of how we understand one another, how we treat one another and how we organize the world around us. Gender studies courses lead to new knowledge and understanding and provide a critical edge for thinking about everyday situations (such as literature, advertisements and reality television), current events (such as political conflicts) and always changing social and political issues (such as the movement of people, products and money across borders).
It is possible to declare a major in gender studies. You can also combine a minor in gender studies with a major in other academic areas in the Faculty of Arts or with studies in other faculties across the university. It is also possible to take a wide range of gender studies elective courses while studying in another area. If you are considering any of these possibilities, you should begin by taking the introductory level course, Gender Studies 1000. There are many upper level courses available and it is possible to complete the required research and writing courses in the Department of Gender Studies.
What does the Department of Gender Studies offer?
Gender studies offers a wide range of courses at all levels of undergraduate studies. Some of these courses are offered by the Department of Gender Studies. Other courses are offered as elective courses in areas such as anthropology, English, folklore, history, psychology and more and can count toward the degree in gender studies.
Gender studies is supported by a wide range of activities outside of classes. The Department of Gender Studies has connections across the campus; it offers a regular Speaker's Series (open to everyone) and an undergraduate scholarship. As well, there is an excellent library collection in gender studies.
What do students taking gender studies do afterwards?
Gender studies specialists are highly valued in industry, education, media, justice, health and cultural organizations. Their knowledge helps to address critical contemporary issues; for example, gender dynamics in the workplace, issues of representation in the arts and the gendered nature of health and well-being. There is a growing demand in private and public sectors for those with a proven understanding of how gender and equality issues affect our society.
Some students will choose to do graduate work in gender studies. The Department of Gender Studies offers a three-stream master of gender studies degree program that can be completed by writing a thesis, completing a project or interning with a business, service provider or community organization, locally, elsewhere in Canada or abroad.
Sample first-year program for students interested in studying gender studies:
| Fall Semester | Winter Semester |
| Gender Studies 1000 | Gender Studies 2005 |
| English 1080 (or 1020) | English 1101, 1102, 1103 or 1110 (or 1021) |
| A course in a second language | A course in a second language |
| A research & writing course | A research & writing course |
| A numeracy/science course | A numeracy/science course |
| A course in minor subject | A course in minor subject |
Gender Studies 1000
Introduction to gender studies considers gender, gender studies and feminisms as areas of exploration from historical, contemporary, transnational and interdisciplinary perspectives. The aim of this course is to provide a critical framework for thinking about questions related to gender and other forms of social difference.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of Gender Studies 1000, Women's Studies 1000 and the former Women's Studies 2000.
