Overview

Women’s studies is the critical study of gender. By uncovering the ways in which social and cultural assumptions and structures are shaped by gender, students are encouraged to see how the identity “women” is enmeshed in a matrix that includes race, class, ability, sexuality, sexual and gender identity, age, nationality and ethnicity, for example. Although studying women is its starting point, women’s studies also studies men and the world around us. The program encourages a critical perspective and teaches highly developed research and analytic skills while challenging students personally and politically.

• Three or four-year (Honours) programs lead to a Bachelor of Arts

• Certificate in Women’s Studies to supplement other fields of study

• Three-year degree and certificate available by distance education

• Introductory year and some electives also available in French

• Two full time women’s studies faculty members teach interdisciplinary courses on a range of topics including work, family, education, health, aging, violence, reproduction, popular culture, media and the arts, sexuality and race

• Departments of Biology, Classical Studies, Economics, English, History, Law & Justice, Modern Languages, Music, Native Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Social Work and Sociology also offer courses on gender within the program

 

First-year course overview

 

WOMN 1005 – Introduction to Women’s Studies

 

+ electives (6 cr) in sciences

 

+ electives (6 cr) in social sciences

 

+ electives (12 cr) in humanities, social sciences or sciences

Admission Requirements

Based on Grade 12 4U/M courses:

• 1 English

• 5 other courses

• Minimum average of 70%

Employment Prospects

Provides excellent background or can be combined with further professional qualifications for entry into community and advocacy organizations, counceling services, crisis centres, daycare and family centres, government, public and foreign service work, graduate studies, health services, journalism, law, medicine, midwifery, private sector, research consulting, teaching, youth work…

Credit Transfer

Credit transfer opportunities are available from other recognized postsecondary institutions and are typically evaluated on an individual basis. Some fast-tracking opportunities also exist.