Women’s & Gender Studies is an academic discipline that critically evaluates gender from an interdisciplinary perspective and challenges many traditional assumptions and theories about women that have excluded them from positions of power.
It examines the practice and expression of gender in different societies and at different historical moments; it explores the various origins and articulations of gender differentiation; it traces the influence of gender expectations on individuals and it studies the interactions of gender and other differences in social, political, and cultural contexts. The feminist pedagogy used in Women’s & Gender Studies courses empowers all students to become active learners and social change agents through discussion, written work, collaborative projects, and practical involvement beyond the classroom.
Your major or minor in WGS will:
- help you to identify and assess gender-based assumptions and biases and to recognize their social, cultural and individual consequences;
- teach you to analyze and integrate perspectives and bodies of knowledge across disciplines, and develop your critical thinking skills in ways that will complement and enhance your training in any other field;
- prepare you for graduate study or for careers in non-profit organizations, businesses, the creative arts, education, government and public policy, journalism, law, social work, and more;
- empower you to participate in public debate and act for social change.
Learning Outcome 1:
Cultural and Contextual Awareness
Understand feminist, women’s and gender issues in local, national, and global contexts.
Learning Outcome 2:
Critical Understanding of the Complexity of Feminisms and Feminist Theories
Recognize and understand the diversity of perspectives within feminisms and feminist theories.
Learning Outcome 3:
Understanding Diversity
Understand the interrelatedness of gender and other identity categories such as class, race, sexuality, age or ability.
Learning Outcome 4:
Apply Terms and Concepts
Apply theoretical terms and concepts of feminist and gender analysis to specific gender issues.
Learning Outcome 5:
Use Gender as a Framework
Write a well-structured, well-argued research proposal and/or paper using gender as a framework for analysis.
Learning Outcome 6:
Holistic Evaluation of Feminism Research
Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical, epistemological, methodological problems that arise throughout the research process in Women’s & Gender Studies.
Prospective Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)
Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.
Current Students
General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.
Specific questions about Women's & Gender Studies, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Morgan Foster.
Undergraduate Programs
Ready to Declare?
Select the declaration that’s right for you, and you will find more instructions on how to declare and what to expect.
Recommended Resources for Women’s & Gender Studies Students
Campus Resources
UWM offers a wide range of on-campus resources, such as academic support and mental health resources. Students also find community within our student centers.
