Gender Studies

Analyzes the social construction of difference with a focus on gender and examines conditions and institutions involved with dynamics of power and privilege in contemporary society in the U.S. Oppression, social justice, diversity, culture, and problems of system inequality are studied with attention given to identity, discrimination, and social change. Students will become familiar with social group layers that interact with gender, including class, dis/ability, age, appearance, weight, religion, race, and ethnicity. Development of critical thinking skills related to such categories of difference will be studied with an eye both to the larger culture and to individual’s personal lives.