Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies ProgramAcademics

About the Department

Representation, Power, and Voice

Gender and sexuality are undergoing a revolutionary shift. Definitions of gender and sexuality are expanding. Queer media like RuPaul's Drag Race attract millions of viewers. Women's sports are gaining immense popularity. And more people explicitly identify as feminists than previous generations. But anti-queer and anti-trans legislation are rising worldwide. So are laws that restrict reproductive healthcare. Books about sexuality divide school districts. What is the history and context for the time we are in? What needs to be done to build a more inclusive world? These questions drive Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies (GWSS) at Gustavus Adolphus.

GWSS examines how gender and sexuality intersect with other categories of social difference, such as race, class, ethnicity, nationality, religion, ability, and age. Many universities have a Gender Studies or Women's Studies program, or they offer individual courses in a single department. At Gustavus, GWSS courses span disciplines, from Political Science to Theatre and Dance, to draw on expertise from faculty across campus. These courses deepen your knowledge about gender and sexuality and equip you to advance equity across industries, from public health care to education.

Learn More About the GWSS Program

Opportunities in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

Converting Learning into Action

GWSS students thrive in the classroom and in the streets, and they collaborate with faculty whose research interests span the globe. The GWSS program hosts formal and informal events throughout the year, such as Feminist Fikas, the Moe Lecture, and more. The faculty also supports student groups that aim to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and empower students to create positive change. Learn more about the multitude of opportunities to engage with GWSS outside the classroom.

Explore the opportunities in GWSS

• Feminist Fikas — Fika is the Swedish word for coffee-break. Join other students and faculty to relax and recharge at a Feminist Fika. The gatherings are filled with engaging conversation and yummy treats, designed to build strong campus connections and reflect on the issues of the day.
• Explorations Talks — Several times a year the GWSS program hosts an Explorations Talk to learn more about a student or faculty research project or conference presentation. These informal sessions provide you with a supportive setting to gain confidence presenting and to learn more about topics outside of your coursework.
• GWSS Research — There are numerous opportunities to pursue research projects in class or independent studies under the guidance of award-winning faculty members. Faculty specialize in topics ranging from public health, trauma, and addiction to representations of girl power, gender and race in sport, manhood and masculinity, and queer identities in cultures and societies across the globe.
• Student Groups — Get involved in one of the many student-led initiatives and organizations. These groups provide a platform for students to amplify their message, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and work toward common goals.
• Moe Lecture — The Moe Lectureship allows the GWSS program to bring top feminist scholars to the Gustavus community, such as Cherríe Moraga and Kimberlé Crenshaw.
• Study Away — From Berlin to Montevideo, Washington, DC to Tokyo, you are encouraged to further explore different perspectives by studying away from campus. The Center for International and Cultural Education has information on many programs that may be particularly interesting to you. The GWSS faculty work with you in selecting courses that may be applied to the major or minor requirements.
• Internships — Besides the internship assistance you can receive for working off campus, students have the opportunity to work as GWSS paid interns for planning and hosting the Moe Lectureship on campus.
• Career Preparation — We'll help you translate your passion and knowledge of GWSS concepts within your career path.