Women's and Gender Studies (WGS), an interdisciplinary program rich with opportunities for research and critical analysis, examines and challenges assumptions and constructs about gender that affect women’s and men’s lives around the globe.
As a WGS major at Union, you will use feminist theory and gender analysis in courses across the disciplines – in Anthropology, Classics, Economics, English, History, Modern Languages, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and Visual Arts.
A central goal of the program is to help students become aware of unexamined assumptions and stereotypes about sexual and gender differences, and how they shape human organizations and institutions. Many courses also introduce students to differences of class, race, ethnic and sexual orientation in a range of societies.
To develop students’ knowledge and ability to analyze organizations that deal with gender and women's issues, a one-term internship at a designated organization in the Capital Region is recommended. Students have interned with local social services, law and media centers, childcare centers, gay and lesbian groups, women’s advocacy groups and health care providers.
Students gain a global perspective of this academic discipline through several international programs, including a three-week mini-term, Social Movements in Argentina, which features meetings with women's activists and political leaders. A mini-term in São Paulo, Brazil, delves into Women, Environment and Social Change.
WGS provides a foundation of knowledge that prepares students for a variety of careers, including business, education, journalism, law, politics and public policy.
