Program Coordinator/Contact
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Wagner Hall 251
605-688-4723
Program Information
Women’s and Gender Studies in an interdisciplinary minor program enabling the student to select courses dealing directly or indirectly with women and their changing roles in history, the family, the labor force, politics, literature and other venues. The minor is particularly useful for students expecting to work with women in social work, counseling, nursing, business, or education. Contact the Women’s and Gender Studies program coordinator to develop a plan of study.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies will be able to:
- understand gender as a social and cultural construct informed by race, ethnicity, class, sexuality and nationality.
- identify and analyze female perspectives and experiences, and links to cultural expectations.
- conduct research, including selecting a research topic that relates to Women’s and Gender Studies, conducting secondary research, identifying gaps in the prior research, developing research questions, and completing original research.
- analyze how institutions and policies affect female experiences.
Academic Requirements
Eighteen hours with a “C” or better in each course are required for the minor.
Various departments periodically offer courses related to the roles of women in society and may be used as electives with approval by the program coordinator.
Course Delivery Format
Program courses are taught on campus, online, and in field based settings.
Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
The program provides enriching opportunities in classroom, campus, and community spaces, bringing exciting speakers to campus, especially during Women’s History Month in March, co-sponsoring films, creative readings, science panels, and facilitating opportunities for activism. The program also sponsors the Women of Distinction Awards and the Women’s Studies Conference.
