Are you passionate about ending unequal gender relations and exploring topics in women's studies? Consider a major in gender and women's studies.
Why Study Gender and Women's Studies?
By studying gender and women's studies, you'll understand the differences that gender makes in peoples' economic, social and political lives. You'll examine the cultural and social construction of gender; explore the history, experiences and contributions of women to society, and learn the influences of gender on the lives of both women and men.
Women's studies provides an excellent background for various careers, including law, counseling and health care, as well as preparation for advanced degrees in fields such as gender studies, women’s studies, education, communication, political science and cultural and media studies
For those who wish to double major, a Gender and Women’s Studies major pairs well with a variety of other majors.
Why Study Gender and Women's Studies at CSUN?
A Social Justice Framework
A Gender and Women’s Studies major teaches you to view the world with a critical and analytical approach grounded in a social justice framework. The department adheres to a disciplinary practice that centers on an integrative, intersectional framing of issues concerning areas such as gender, race, class, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity and age.
A Diverse Faculty
Our courses are taught by faculty from numerous disciplines and different parts of the world. They provide excellent teaching, engaged mentoring, cutting-edge research and scholarship, while taking part in valuable community service locally and globally.
Agents for Social Change
We believe that through the nurturing of the mind, the elevation of historical and moral consciousness as well as opportunities to put into practice social justice skills, we can make a better world for all. We help our students stretch their imagination to potentially become agents of social change.
What You'll Learn
The department offers two options: the single major and the double major.
In this program, you'll study a combination of lower- and upper-division core requirements. You'll then choose courses from a list of electives, including:
- Women and Gender in Islamic Societies
- Women and Entertainment
- Global Sexualities
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Latin American Feminisms
You'll then complete a concentration, choosing from one of the following areas:
- Philosophy and Religion
- Race and Ethnicity
- Communication and Media
- Law and Public Policy
- Social Work and Welfare
- Criminology
- Literature
The double major option equips you with the competencies of the field and provides a special focus for any field in the humanities or the social and behavioral sciences. The double major is designed for students who choose to major in gender and women's studies as their second field of study.
Courses taken toward fulfilling one major may also count toward fulfilling parallel requirements in your second major. Electives include:
- Women and Urban Life/Urban Space
- Women, Gender and Global Development
- Women and Violence
- Men, Masculinity and Patriarchy
The Women's Research and Resource Center welcomes you
The center is a warm, inviting place for all CSUN students to learn, relax, volunteer or find resources and referrals for a variety of issues. While the center specializes in issues particular to women’s experiences, all gender identities are welcome.
Scholarships
Every year the Department of Gender and Women's Studies awards scholarships to outstanding junior or senior students.