Women's and Genders Studies Program Information
Program Description
Women's and Gender Studies examines human behaviour, institutions and cultural contexts in order to reveal and analyze the prevailing assumptions about gender, sexuality, and social diversity on which they are based. The program provides students with a broad analytical vision of the world, and explores a wide variety of topics ranging from changing economic and political roles to representations of gender and sexuality in popular culture.
It examines the changing positions of women, men, and people of all genders, racialized and cultural groups, abilities, ages, and ethnicities, creative and resistant practices that contribute to evolving understandings of gender as it intersects with other identity categories, primarily within Western societies but also in cross-cultural and transnational contexts. It utilizes interdisciplinary approaches to such topics as the relation between gender constructions, gendered patterns of language use in contemporary society, the role of gender in processes of identity formation and socialization, representations of gender in literature, art, music, performance and religion, and the changing economic and political roles of women and other marginalized groups. While Women's and Gender Studies sometimes utilizes concepts developed within longer-established disciplines, it has developed distinctive conceptual frameworks and analytic methodologies which challenge and complement those of other academic disciplines.
Featured Courses
WGST 201.3: Images of Gender and Sexuality in Popular CultureAn introduction to the ways gender, sexuality and identity are represented and produced in popular culture, mainstream media and populist feminist culture. Focuses on critical analysis and intervention, the production of culture and a variety of cultural forms, mainstream media and representational practices. |
WGST 210.3: Gendered Perspectives on Current EventsInterdisciplinary examination of current events relating to gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity, ability and class. Special attention will be paid to how recent/ ongoing wars, ecological crises, terrorism, economic recession, etc., impact the lives of women, children and subaltern men, and how such events are represented in mainstream and alternative media. |
WGST 312.3: Feminist Research MethodologiesExamines various feminist methodologies and approaches to the formal construction of knowledge. A survey of the major methods of research in diverse fields is presented in the context of feminist critique and epistemology. Androcentric bias, feminist epistemology, ethics and subjectivity are central themes of the course. |
WGST 420.3: Challenging Ways of Understanding Sexuality and GenderThis course provides students with an in-depth understanding of how queer theories and lenses can be applied to various bodies of knowledge, including sexualities studies. It engages critically with the interconnections among feminist, queer and trans studies, and their intersections with other marginalized fields of academic inquiry. |
Career Opportunities
Today there is a demonstrated need for people with a background in Women's and Gender Studies to work within the areas as social services, education, policy development, welfare, health care, counselling and therapy, law, media, advertising, public administration, finance, and management. Whether you pursue advocacy for social justice, policy shaping, education, or entrepreneurship, your insights into gender dynamics provide a valuable lens for impact. From influencing corporate culture to contributing to global initiatives, your degree equips you to make a meaningful difference in various spheres.
Some career opportunities include:
- Volunteer services administrator
- Human support services coordinator
- Political campaign staff member
- International human rights program assistant
- Family services administrator
- Women’s centre director
- Resource centre coordinator
- Community development worker
Program Requirements
Please note that all students must meet the program requirements as they are listed in the University Calendar for the year they entered their program.