Women’s, Gender, & Sexualities Studies Curriculum

A minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities Studies requires 20 credit hours.

  • All minors entering Elon as first-year students Fall 2017 and beyond must take WGS 1100 Sex and Gender (4 hrs)
  • All minors must take WGS 3000 Current Controversies in Feminism (4 hrs), preferably in the junior or senior year.
  • The remaining 12 hours come from the vast variety of electives offered via WGSS and across departments on campus.
  • A maximum of 8 hours may be transferred and count toward the WGSS minor from courses taken during study abroad/study away programs.

Note: If you entered Elon before Fall 2017, WGS 1100 is not technically required, though highly recommended for best chances for optimum success in WGS 3000.

WGSS Elective Courses

WGSS elective courses change quite frequently, as the program continually works to offer our minors new avenues for exploring questions related to women, gender and sexualities. Minors are encouraged to check the course listings in the academic catalog and on OnTrack every semester for courses.

Current Undergraduate Academic Catalog

For WGSS electives offered in the current or upcoming term, use the Search for Sections link on OnTrack, select the correct term at the top, and use the drop-down menu for “Course Type” to select Women/Gender Elective.

OnTrack – Search for Sections

WGSS Course Descriptions

WGS 1100. SEX AND GENDER 4 sh
This course addresses the following issues: the difference between sex and gender, how sex and gender are socially constructed; the relationship between sex, gender and sexuality; and the various types of feminisms. Students will develop and demonstrate the ability to critically explore how these identities  intersect with each other as well as with other identities such as race, class, physical ability and so on, and consider how their own identities are constructed. Counts as Civilization or Society. There are no prerequisites.

WGS 3000. CURRENT CONTROVERSIES IN FEMINISM 4 sh
This interdisciplinary course, designed for students ready to do advanced work, will explore several of the most highly contested issues within feminist though and activism. Particular attention will be paid to writings by women marginalized by race, class, nationality and/or sexuality. Students will be expected to undertake a research project and/or activism. Prerequisite: Two courses in the WGS curriculum. Offered spring semester.

WGS 371-79. SPECIAL TOPICS IN WOMEN’S/GENDER STUDIES 4 sh

WGS 461-69. SEMINARS ON VARIOUS TOPICS 4 sh
These interdisciplinary seminars combine two or more approaches in feminist and/or gender scholarship, with varying concentrations on significant topics. Prerequisites: Junior standing and two WGS courses.

WGS 4810. INTERNSHIP IN WOMEN’S/GENDER STUDIES 1-4 sh
Teaching, research, service and occupational internships focusing on women/gender issues are offered. Prerequisites: Two WGS courses and permission of coordinator.

WGS 4910. INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-4 sh

WGS 4990. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH 1-4 sh

Note: Minors are required to take WGS 1100 in order to enroll in upper level WGS electives.