The Genders and Sexualities Minor is an interdisciplinary course of study. The objective of this curriculum is to develop a critical framework for understanding social justice by examining how sexual practices, expressions, identities, and representations are shaped by social, historical, psychological, literary, legal, biological, philosophical, and political contexts. Under the coordination of the Institute for Women’s Studies and Services, the minor focuses on issues of social ethics and sexuality, including the impact of factors of cultural inequality—such as poverty, racism, and homophobia—upon sexual well-being and sexual health. Among the questions explored in the minor are: How are sexual and gender differences framed and categorized? Why are some categories celebrated while others are feared? How do medical, religious, and political authorities respond to sexual categories? What is the nature of sexual and gender identity and orientation? How and why is sexuality labeled as lesbian, heterosexual, perverse, normal, gay, or queer? How do cultures at different times and places divide the sexual from the non-sexual?
The Genders and Sexualities Minor consists of 12 credits of required courses and an additional 12 credits of electives for a total of 24 credits. A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
