Women’s Studies Major, B.A.

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Women’s studies values a diverse curriculum, fostering the inclusion of material that highlights the unique elements and intersections of gender, class, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and disability-groups that have historically experienced social oppression. Women’s studies identifies and encourages faculty, administrative, and professional mentoring of women students and facilitates collaborative interdisciplinary research on women, gender and sexuality. The Institute also provides support services for all students, whether or not they elect women’s studies courses. These services include advising, information, and referral; workshops, conferences, and seminars; a newsletter; online resources such as Community Resources and A Scholarship Application Guide for Students; and a small, multimedia library focused on women’s issues.

Students must complete each course in the major with a minimum grade of “C-” and must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in all courses taken for the major. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

Major Requirements

Core Required Courses

WMS 1001 - Introduction to Women’s Studies Credits: 3
WMS 1600 - Women in World History Credits: 3
WMS 2100 - Women of Color Credits: 3
WMS 3510 - Feminist Theories and Practices I Credits: 3
WMS 4750 - Feminist Theory and Practices II: Senior Seminar Credits: 3
Subtotal: 15 credits

Note:

WMS 3510 Feminist Theory and Practices I, and WMS 4750 Feminist Theory and Practices II must be taken in sequence.

Area Requirements

At least one course beyond the Core Requirements must be completed from each of the following three areas:

Feminism and the Human Condition

Choose one course from the list below.

WMS 3130 - Readings in Women’s Studies Credits: 3
WMS 3180 - Feminist Philosophy Credits: 3
WMS 3280 - Queer Theory Credits: 3
WMS 3350 - Gender and Society Credits: 3
WMS 3651 - U.S. Women’s History Credits: 3
WMS 3655 - Women of the American West Credits: 3
WMS 3930 - Theories of Love and Sex Credits: 3
WMS 3960 - Feminist Art Since 1960 Credits: 3
WMS 4220 - Gender and the Bible Credits: 3
WMS 4860 - History of Feminism and Women’s Rights Credits: 3

Diverse Women’s Experience

Choose one course from the list below.

WMS 1200 - Multicultural Study of Sexualities and Genders Credits: 3
WMS 3170 - Social Justice, Self, and Citizenship: A Service Learning Course Credits: 3
WMS 3220 - Prejudice and Discrimination in Contemporary Society Credits: 3
WMS 3250 - Black Women Writers Credits: 3
WMS 3360 - Women in European History Credits: 3
WMS 3540 - Women in the Developing World Credits: 3
WMS 3550 - Chicana Feminisms Credits: 3
WMS 3660 - Women and Poverty Credits: 3
WMS 4830 - Workforce Diversity Credits: 3

Experiential Elective

Choose one course from the list below.

WMS 3170 - Social Justice, Self, and Citizenship: A Service Learning Course Credits: 3
WMS 4920 - Women’s Studies Internship Credits: 1-12
WMS 4970 - Teaching Assistantship in Women’s Studies Credits: 3

Note:

These courses fulfill the multicultural requirement for MSU Denver Graduation:

WMS 1200 - Multicultural Study of Sexualities and Genders Credits: 3
WMS 2100 - Women of Color Credits: 3
WMS 3170 - Social Justice, Self, and Citizenship: A Service Learning Course Credits: 3
WMS 4830 - Workforce Diversity Credits: 3

Focus Area

Women’s Studies majors also develop a focus area consisting of an integrated cluster of at least 15 semester hours in women’s studies (five 3-credit courses).

In consultation with their Women’s Studies advisor, majors write a rationale that discusses:

Educational and personal history that has led to this degree plan;
Personal career and/or educational goals;
How the cluster of courses for the focus area contribute to achieving those goals.

This rationale is an important advising tool that provides direction and focus to the student’s curriculum.

Major Credit Requirements

Core Required Courses	15
Area Requirements	9
Focus Area Electives	15
Major Credit Requirements	39