What it’s about:

Women’s studies is an interdisciplinary major that examines the connections between gender, sexuality, power, and inequality. You study such issues as oppression of women and sexual minorities; class exploitation; racism; and women’s cultural and historical roles, both in the U.S. and around the world.

What the study of this major is like:

If you are curious about gender and sexuality issues, women’s studies is a good major to choose. Its seeks to understand what it means now, and has meant in the past, to be a women. You examine differences among women themselves, as well as the concept and uses of gender-that is, the changing definitions that societies attach to being women and men. Because gender can reflect and determine differences in power and opportunity, majors learn to analyze economic and social systems, as searching questions about equality, and discuss ways in which society can be transformed. In addition, you explore the political and cultural effects of race, class, age, nationality, sexual identity, and ethnicity.

Women’s studies began in the late 1960s as an attempt to make up for the lack of information, in most college courses, about women. What started as an effort to fill in the gaps has become a comprehensive analysis of the role of women in all areas of life. Besides supplying research about women, the major questions accepted beliefs and unexamined norms. Almost every discipline in the arts, humanities, and social sciences contributes to women’s studies. For many majors in the field, women’s studies becomes a window on the rest of the world.

A typical program includes courses offered within women’s studies as well as courses offered by other departments. You will probably take an introductory women’s studies course; a series of electives in the humanities, social sciences, and where possible natural sciences. A capstone experience is usually required in the form of a fourth-year seminar, field-work or internship project, or independent study. Many programs also require courses in feminist theory as well as in race, ethnicity, or non-Western culture.

Over the years, the major has concerned itself not only with what is taught but also how the material is taught. Classes seek to foster dialogue and to create a safe arena in which to debate. Course work often includes various methods of presentation, group activities, self-defined papers and projects, and invitations to tie theory to your own experience. Most programs offer the flexibility to tailor your program to meet your needs and interests. Many students double-major in a traditional liberal arts discipline and in women’s studies.

Colleges may vary in their name for the major-the most common are gender and sexuality studies, feminist studies, and women’s studies-and the differences in the name may single variations in emphases. Because the field is wide-ranging, most programs cannot cover everything. Therefore, you should read course catalogs to find out which aspects individual programs emphasize.

Career options and trends:

Some women’s studies graduates go on to activist careers in social and political issues or social services. Others find jobs in education (all levels), business, public policy and administration, health services, communications, and film, and (with appropriate graduate degree) in college teaching, research, law, and medicine.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors