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Major in Women's Studies

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Women’s studies values a diverse curriculum, fostering the inclusion of material that highlights the unique elements and intersections of gender, class, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and disability-groups that have historically experienced social oppression. Women’s studies identifies and encourages faculty, administrative, and professional mentoring of women students and facilitates collaborative interdisciplinary research on women. The Institute also provides support services for all students whether or not they elect women’s studies courses. These services include advising, information, and referral; workshops, conferences, and seminars; a newsletter: on-line resources such as Community Resources and A Scholarship Application Guide for Students; and a small, multimedia library focused on women’s issues.

Students must complete each course in the major with a minimum grade of C- and must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in all courses taken for the major. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

Major Requirements:

Core Required Courses:

Note: WMS 3510 Feminist Theory and Practices I, and WMS 4750 Feminist Theory and Practices II must be taken in sequence. 

Area Requirements:

At least one course beyond the Core Requirements must be completed from each of the following three areas:

Feminism and the Human Condition:

Choose one course from the list below.

Diverse Women's Experience:

Choose one course from the list below.

Experiential Elective:

Choose one course from the list below.

Note:

These courses fulfill the multicultural requirement for MSU Denver Graduation:

  • WMS 1200 - Multicultural Study of Sexualities and Genders
  • WMS 2100 - Women of Color
  • WMS 3170 - Social Justice, Self and Citizenship
  • WMS 4830 - Workforce Diversity

 

Focus Area:

Women’s Studies majors also develop a focus area consisting of an integrated cluster of at least 15 credit hours in women’s studies (five 3-credit courses). 

In consultation with their Women’s Studies advisor, majors write a rationale that discusses:

  1. Educational and personal history that has lead to this degree plan;
  2. Personal career and/or educational goals;
  3. How the cluster of courses for the focus area contribute to achieving those goals.

This rationale is an important advising tool that provides direction and focus to the student’s curriculum. 

Major Credit Requirements:

 

  

Core Required Courses

15

Area Requirements

9

Focus Area Electives

15

Major Credit Requirements

39

In addition to these required classes, the student must take 25 credit hours of electives, 12 hours of which should be upper division. It is also strongly recommended that the student complete an internship in a corporate, private non-profit or government agency that serves women. If you are interested in becoming a Women's Studies major, please set up an appointment to get some preliminary advising by calling 303-556-8441 or by e-mailing Arlene Sgoutas.

** Note: Feminist Theory and Senior Seminar are sequential courses. Feminist Theory is only offered during the Fall Semester and Senior Seminar is only offered in the Spring Semester. Feminist Theory is a prerequisite for Senior Seminar.

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