Program Coordinator
Lori Watson, PhD, Philosophy
The Women’s and Gender Studies Minor
Gender studies is an interdisciplinary academic minor that takes as its focus the history, development, and consequences of culturally acquired sexual identities. It is a field of study as complex as the many disciplines it weaves together. At USD, those disciplines include anthropology, business, communication, economics, English, French, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology. Gender studies addresses such topics as the acquisition of gender identity across cultures; the influence of gender upon spirituality, moral choice, creativity, and language use; the relationship of gender to a wide spectrum of social problems such as poverty and violence; and the history of various gender-related issues such as family life, marriage, reproduction, divorce, child rearing, sexual behavior, and sexual orientation.
The gender studies minor is an 18 unit program that includes the following requirements:
- GNDS 101, Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies (3)
- Two lower- or upper-division elective courses to be selected from a list generated each semester by the program coordinators or from the courses listed below in this course catalog.
- Two elective upper-division courses to be selected from a list generated each semester by the program coordinators or from the courses listed below in this bulletin. Thus 3-9 units of lower-division work, and 9-15 units of upper-division coursework are required.
- Two of the four elective courses listed in items 2 and 3 above must be in the humanities and two must be in the social sciences.
- GNDS 495, Advanced Women’s and Gender Studies (3)
Women’s and Gender Studies Courses (GNDS)
GNDS 101 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies (3)
An interdisciplinary introduction to such issues as gender socialization; men, women, and friendship; men, women, and romance; gender and communication; gender and language; gender and the media; gender and morality; gender and economics; gender and ways of knowing; gender and spirituality; etc.
GNDS 494 Topics in Women’s and Gender Studies (3)
An advanced course focusing on topics of interest and importance to the study of gender. For example, topics might include such subjects as violence against women; the men’s movement; contemporary theories of love relationships; and lesbian, gay, and bi-sexual issues. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Students must have completed 12 units of coursework in the gender studies minor or have consent of the instructor.
GNDS 495 Advanced Women’s and Gender Studies (3)
A capstone seminar course devoted to advanced study in the field, supplemented by directed research in students’ areas of primary interest in their majors. When appropriate, it may include an internship component. The research experience will culminate in a symposium.
GNDS 499 Independent Study (1-3)
A program of advanced study in an area of special interest, arranged between the student and the instructor. The independent study must include at a minimum extensive readings, consistent consultations with the sponsoring instructor, and a final report or project. Prerequisite: Approval of one of the gender studies program coordinators.
Interdisciplinary Courses
Courses in this edition of the undergraduate catalog that count toward the women’s and gender studies minor are listed below. Other courses that will count toward the minor will be provided on a semester-by-semester basis. Students should select their courses in consultation with one of the program coordinators. Please see the full course descriptions under the appropriate departmental listings.
| Social Sciences | |
|---|---|
COMM 325 |
Interpersonal Communication (3)* |
| Humanities | |
ENGL 121 |
Composition and Literature (3)* |
| Business Administration | |
MGMT 306 |
Women in Management (3) |
* Students must consult with gender studies advisors to assure enrollment in the appropriate section. |
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