Women’s and Gender Studies

Find ways to get involved and make a difference.

Women's and Gender Studies

The Women’s and Gender Studies minor is a multidisciplinary program focusing on social constructions of gender and sex and the consequences of these constructions.

As sex and gender are enmeshed in a matrix that includes race, ethnicity, class, sexual identity, and religion, the minor explores the experiences of diverse populations, both in the United States and around the world.

The minor is compatible with several majors.

View minor course requirements

Why Simpson College for Women's and Gender Studies?

What Will I Learn?

The minor provides essential perspectives on various social institutions and processes, historical developments, scientific methodologies, psychological developments, and creative achievements of those marginalized within their cultures based on sex and gender.

The Women’s and Gender Studies minor emphasizes the connections between theory and practice through applied learning in internships, community projects, research, and service learning.

You will learn about women’s contributions, concerns, perspectives, and theories. You will also focus on gender, race, and class issues. From the classroom to the campus, you’ll see various ways to get involved in the issues that interest you.

Explore Growth Opportunities Outside the Classroom

Interdisciplinary majors and minors provide you with exposure to a variety of different academic disciplines. Take a look and see what those departments have to offer.

Women's and Gender Resource Center

The Kate Shelley House on Simpson’s campus is home to the Women’s and Gender Resource Center (WGRC). This comfortable and supportive environment encourages awareness and discussion of women’s and gender issues. It is also a living space for four students interested in working together and with the campus to promote awareness of these issues.

Learn More About WGRC

Women's History Month

Each March, Simpson College celebrates Women’s History Month. The Women’s and Gender Studies Program takes the lead in organizing, but students, faculty, and staff from all departments and programs participate.

Some recent topics included “Me Too: Telling Tales of Violence in Memoir,” “Unlucky in Death and Vacancies: Women and Political Milestones in Iowa,” and “Throwing Toys: A Discussion on the Workplace Environment for Women in Sports Media.”

Simpson Feminists

Join this student-run organization, whose goal is to raise awareness for gender inequality by understanding how women’s overlapping identities impact their experiences of oppression and discrimination.

PRIDE

Simpson College Pride seeks to educate the campus and community about LGBTQA issues and the realities that LGBTQA individuals face.

Learn More About PRIDE

Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARA)

SARA is a student-run campus organization aimed at creating greater awareness about sexual assault. Advocates are specially trained to provide education and support in sexual assault incidents on campus.

Learn More About SARA

SELF

This group educates the community and plans events promoting body positivity.