Overview
The interdisciplinary minor in women's and gender studies explores the cultural construction of gender and sexuality in the context of intersections with race and class, global and domestic politics, religion, and critical theory through literature, visual arts, and other media. Women’s and gender studies students bring a passion for activism, equity, social justice, and empowerment to the classroom and the broader community.
Fast Facts
- Holds a monthly Feminist Film screening featuring mainstream and independent films and discussions with faculty
- Offers courses from more than 12 disciplinary traditions, including Spanish, sociology, English, communication, and sport management
- Hosts Women’s History Month featuring speakers and community events
- Works with and supports student organizations such as PRIDE, the Coalition for Sexual Justice, and the Black Student Union
What You'll Study
Examine the cultural construction of gender and sexuality while igniting a passion for advocacy
Cultural construction of gender
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Program Curriculum
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Refer to the Courses of Study Bulletin for full program requirements.
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Search for Classes
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Use Search for Sections in TigerPAWS for the most current class offering information.
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Courses of Study Bulletin
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Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must fulfill the requirements for a major as listed in the courses of study bulletin. The courses of study bulletin is the official source of information regarding degree requirements, academic policies, and academic majors and minors at Trinity University.
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Pathways Curriculum
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Students must complete the Pathways Curriculum in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. The Pathways Curriculum has six curricular requirements, and three optional elements that provide the foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all the bachelor’s degrees awarded by Trinity University. Through these requirements, students acquire the necessary skills and disciplinary perspectives to navigate complex questions at Trinity and in their post-graduate lives.
Sociology of Gender (core course)
Students analyze the social construction of gender and its intersections with other axes of inequality, such as race, class, and sexuality, across social institutions and over time.
Introduction to Queer Studies (core course)
Topics in this interdisciplinary course may include a historical survey of homosexuality and the gay rights movement, queer theory, psychoanalysis and psychology of sexuality, film and media studies, and a discussion of current events.
Gender and Religion (interdisciplinary supporting course)
An examination of the cultural expectations placed upon women and men in various religious traditions; the historical prevalence of patriarchy and differentiated gender roles; feminist and liberation movements for gender equality with a religious basis; challenges to heterosexism and the development of gay, lesbian, and transgender religious perspectives
View all courses
For more information and a description of each class please visit the COSB website.
Sociology (B.A.)
Sociology (Minor)
English (B.A.)
English (Minor)
Communication (B.A.)
Communication (Minor)
Religion (B.A.)
Religion (Minor)
History (B.A.)
History (Minor)
Faculty
Promoting interdisciplinary expertise and experience
The women’s and gender studies faculty advisory board is composed of full-time professors who teach classes and publish work concerned with issues of gender and sexuality in their own disciplinary traditions as well as in women’s and gender studies.
Student Opportunities
Put empowerment to work through hands-on approaches, community involvement, and cultural interconnectedness.
Research
Healthy Relationships Research Lab
Geared toward the development and application of advanced research skills, such as literature review writing, study design, data collection, and manuscript writing, the Healthy Relationships Research lab provides students with the opportunity to work with WAGS-affiliated faculty to advance and publish research related to healthy romantic relationships. Throughout the semester, students will participate in ongoing faculty-led research projects. This course fulfills the optional Experiential Learning component of the Pathways curriculum.
Internships
Students complete internships that activate their passions for activism, equality, and empowerment.
Internships within the minor help plan and promote women’s and gender studies events. Students develop and execute marketing plans for WAGS programming while also providing input on the minor.
Students also receive opportunities to intern with local non-profit organizations, such as the Rape Crisis Center.
Spaces and Facilities
Women’s Resource Center at Coates Library
The Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers Foundation has made a $500,000 gift to Trinity University to establish the Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers Women’s Studies Resource Center at the University
Student Organizations
Associated with the Coalition for Sexual Justice
The Coalition for Sexual Justice is a collective of Trinity students, faculty, staff and community members who work to promote sexual justice through education and advocacy. Sexual justice encompasses ending sexual assault and domestic violence, promoting sexual health and safety and providing survivor support through campus-wide accountability.
PRIDE
PRIDE (Promoting Respect, Inclusiveness, Diversity, and Equality) is a student organization on campus that supports the LGBTQ+ community and allies on campus.
Lecture Series and Annual Events
Students and faculty organize events related to Women’s History Month, Gay Pride Week, and International Women’s Day, among others.
The monthly Feminist Film Series highlights faculty expertise and engages students in discussion through contemporary and classical film screenings.
When You Graduate
Cultivate skills and contacts to enable community engagement after Trinity
Through this interdisciplinary minor, students develop the critical skills and intellectual training to vocalize personal and political concerns and the contacts and experience to engage in community action.
Careers
Students graduate into a world of career opportunities, careers in college and professional sports, and sport-related companies across the U.S.
Career Areas:
- Artistry
- Education
- Law
- NGOs
- Social Work
Take the next step
Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.