Getting Started (Majors Guide)

College: HFA

 (Revised Spring 2018)  

How to Explore / Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

Under the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus.  For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track.  Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

  • WGSS 187 (IDU), "Gender, Sexuality and Culture," is an excellent survey course. 
  • WGSS 220 (SBDG), "Gender, the Global Environment, and Sustainability"
  • WGSS 285 (SIDU), "The Biology of Difference," explores the history of sexual and racial differences.
  • WGSS 290B (SBDG), "Transnational Approaches to Queer and Sexuality Studies," provides a foundation to key concepts in sexuality studies.
  • WGSS 290C (HSDU), "History of Sexuality and Race in the U.S."

Suggested Major and Pre-requisites Courses

Students are encouraged to take a variety of courses drawn from the Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Course Offerings Guide published each semester in paper form and on the department’s website at www.umass.edu/wgss.

Each fall we offer WGSS 187, "Gender, Sexuality and Culture," and in the spring we offer a varied range of general education classes all of which give crucial background for students interested in the field. See list above.

Students should see the advisor in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies for information, applications and course listings. Take a WGSS gen ed class or an elective. Juniors entering in the Fall should consider enrolling in a class that fulfills the program’s Junior Year Writing Requirement.

How to Declare the Major

To be accepted as a Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies (WGSS) major, students must complete a simple application process and find a faculty sponsor. An advisor is available to help with the application process and find a sponsor.  All students with a completed application and sponsor are admitted.

This process is the same for Exploratory Track students, and for primary or secondary majors.  See the advisor for more specifics.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Minimum total # of credits required: 36

Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies is an individually-designed program. Students have the option of focusing on a theme they select. All students work closely with a faculty sponsor. Assistance is available in designing a program and selecting a sponsor.

The major requires a total of 36 credits.  Required courses are: WGSS 201; a core theory course; a class that fulfills the program’s Junior Year Writing Requirement; WGSS 494 (the I.E.) and at least two courses (total) chosen from two of the following three categories: critical race feminisms, transnational feminisms and sexuality studies. A list of eligible courses are published in the WGSS Course Guide each semester.

The remaining credits for the major can be chosen from elective courses, internships, independent studies and/or honors projects. Many students decide to double major in WGSS and another discipline.

Is there a minor? If so what are the requirements?
The minor is an 18-credit concentration with two required courses: WGSS 201 and at least one course chosen from one of the following categories: critical race feminisms, transnational feminisms and sexuality studies.

The remaining credits for the minor may consist of elective courses and independent studies or internships. Minors also work with a faculty sponsor. See the advisor for further details.

For further information, contact:
Karen Lederer
W401 South College 413 545-1922
website: www.umass.edu/wgss