The Women’s and Gender Studies minor is a multidisciplinary program focusing on social constructions of gender and sex as well as 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to describe and analyze the social constructions of gender and sex and the consequences of these constructions.
- Students will be able to describe and analyze the experiences of diverse populations (e.g., including class, ethnicity, race, religion) in relation to gender and sex.
- Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the connections between theory and practice.
What do Simpson Students have to say about the Women’s and Gender Studies minor?
“As a senior in my last semester at Simpson, I couldn’t imagine my Simpson Experience without the things I have learned in the Women’s and Gender Studies minor! This Spring, I will graduate with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and minors in Management and Women’s and Gender Studies. After graduation, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (business psychology) with the end goal being to work as an organizational consultant for non-profit agencies. I feel very grateful and fortunate to have participated in the WaGS minor program at Simpson because it has complemented my studies in every other area- the program’s biggest strength it its interdisciplinary structure and applicability to any area of study in which you find yourself. “- Marissa Belau
"I am an English major with a double minor in French and Women Studies. I became interested in Women Studies during my SC class freshman year. We volunteered at the women’s shelter, studied all about human rights and I became very interested in Women’s and Gender Studies. My SC teacher, Jennifer Nostrala, recommended I look into a minor. The WaGS minor fits with my English major with the literature I read in class, and helps me make connections with nonprofits that I hope to work for one day.”- Shelby Minnmann
“My choosing to be a Women’s and Gender Studies Minor has more to do with my choosing what “gets me going,” what interests me, and what motivates my pursuit of a career in human resources. I find so much of schooling has become too much about job application and not enough about life application, and sometimes life requires a bit of instruction or perspective building…The minor fits well with my English major and Secondary Ed. minor.”- Mandy Brown
“Being a Women’s and Gender Studies minor was a no brainer for me. Understanding the ways that gender affects our every day life is something that everyone should be aware of and further, actively trying to change.”- Olivia Samples