Gender and Sexuality Studies
Patty Cohn, Center for Art and Dance 200
507-786-3248
cohn@stolaf.edu
wp.stolaf.edu/womens-gender-studies
(Offered within the Department of Race, Ethnic, Gender, and Sexuality Studies)
Gender and sexuality studies students explore scholarship about gender and sexuality across cultures and throughout history to examine intersections of gender, race, class, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, religion, and age. The program fosters critical thinking skills that encourage students to become active and ethical participants in career, family, social life, and community.
Overview of the Major and Concentration
Majors and concentrators take a range of courses across the curriculum, as well as in the gender and sexuality studies program. Students explore the new scholarship about gender and gain an understanding of a variety of gender experiences across cultures and throughout history.
Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GSS 121 | Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies | 1.00 |
| GSS 399 | Advanced Topics in Gender and Sexuality Studies | 1.00 |
| Select a minimum of seven other approved courses, taken in at least three departments or programs | 7.00 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
*By completing this major, the student also satisfies the OLE Core Writing in the Major requirement.
Requirements for the Concentration
Many students enhance their work in a major through an interdisciplinary focus on gender and sexuality studies. A concentration in gender and sexuality studies consists of:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GSS 121 | Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies | 1.00 |
| Select four other approved courses taken in at least two departments or programs. | 4.00 | |
| Total Credits | 5 | |
GSS 121: Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies
Required for the gender and sexuality studies major and concentration, this course introduces students to the concept of gender as a category of analysis. It is designed for students who seek a fuller understanding of themselves as gendered individuals living in a gendered society - all genders are encouraged to participate! Offered each semester. Also counts toward educational studies concentration.
GSS 250: Intersectional Feminisms: Race, Gender, and Sexuality
This interdisciplinary seminar introduces students to critical and cultural texts written by authors of color to name the complex politics of race, gender, and sexuality. Students develop intersectionality as an analytical tool with which to understand how systems of interlocking oppression have marginalized women and LGBTQ people of color. Readings emphasize literary and cultural representations as acts of resistance to racial gender violence, racial homophobia, policing and militarization, and global economic inequality. Offered annually. Also counts toward race and ethnic studies major and concentration.
GSS 294: Academic Internship
GSS 298: Independent Study
GSS 394: Academic Internship
GSS 396: Directed Undergraduate Research
This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to their research interests. Offered based on department decision. May be offered as a 1.00 credit course or .50 credit course.
Prerequisite: determined by individual instructor.
GSS 398: Independent Research
GSS 399: Advanced Topics in Gender and Sexuality Studies
The course provides a capstone to the major. Taught as a seminar, it offers an opportunity for students to integrate their studies of women and gender across disciplines and to become more aware of the intricate web of gender, race, culture, and class that informs women's experiences. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: GSS 121; priority given to majors and concentrators.
Approved Courses
ART 261 O'Keeffe's Art and New Mexico (study away)
ART 275 Topics in Art History
BIO 124 The Biology of Women
CLASS 240 Gender and Sexuality in the Ancient World
DANCE 246 Dance in the United States
ENGL 207 Women of the African Diaspora
ENGL 242 Children's and Young Adult Literature
ENGL 251 Major Chicano/a Authors
FAMST 242 Family Relationships
FAMST 253 Human Sexuality
HIST 122 Europe and the Great War
HIST 182 America Since 1945
HIST 121 The Making of Modern Russia
HIST 191 Colonialism & Europe: 1492-Present
HIST 231 People and Power in Soviet Russia
HIST 239 Women, Gender, and Sexuality in Modern Europe
HIST 272 Women in America
HIST 395 Oral History Seminar
NORST 264 Nordic Explorations of Sexualities and Genders
NORW 244 The Sámi: Traditions in Transition
NORW 282 The Drama of Henrik Ibsen
NURS 312 Family Health
PHIL 245 Philosophy and Feminism
PSYCH 223 Exploring India: Human Development in Cross-Cult Cont (study abroad)
PSYCH 226 Emerging Adulthood in China: Immersion and Reflection
PSYCH 232 Gender Equality in Norway (study abroad)
PSYCH 241 Developmental Psychology
PSYCH 350 Parenting and Child Development in Diverse Families
REL 209 Introduction to Feminist Theology
REL 264 Theology and Sexuality
REL 344 Feminist Perspectives and Christian Ethics
SOAN 128 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
SOAN 260 Families, Marriage, & Relationships
SOAN 261 Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
SPAN 250 Family and Gender Roles in Spain: 1900 to Present
SPAN 251 Gender and Race in Modern Latin America
Other Courses That Might Count Depending on the Course Topic
Credit awarded by permission of instructor and Director of Gender and Sexuality Studies. Please check with the Program Director about courses that aren't listed here to see if the courses could count for the major or concentration.
BIO 275 Biology of Reproduction
DANCE 290 Topics in Dance
ENGL 220 Topics in Literary History
ENGL 253 Authors in English
ENGL 280 Topics in Genre
ENGL 340 Advanced Studies in Literary Eras: American
FREN 273 Period Studies
FREN 372 Topics in Francophone Studies
FREN 397 Ethics Seminar in Francophone Studies
HIST 189 Topical Seminar
HIST 201 Methods Seminar: Ancient History
HIST 270 Major Seminar: American History
HIST 297 Topical Seminar
HIST 320 Research Seminar: Modern European History
HIST 345 East Asia Seminar
LATIN 370 Topics in Latin Literature
MUSIC 345 Advanced Study in Musicology
PSCI 117 Politics and Human Rights
PSYCH 223 Exploring India: Human Development in Cross-Cult Cont (study abroad)
PSYCH 390 Issues in Psychology
PSYCH 396 Directed Undergraduate Research
RACE 250 Topical Seminar
REL 260 Religion in America
RUSSN 250 Topics in Russian Literature (in English translation)
SOAN 299 Topics in Sociology/Anthropology
SPAN 312 Voices of the Spanish-Speaking World
SWRK 221 Social Work and Social Welfare
Study Abroad Programs and Courses
- Augsburg University's Center for Global Education and Experience "Social Change in Central America: Exploring Peace, Justice, and Community Engagement"
- Carleton College's "Women's and Gender Studies in Europe" program (offered in fall)
Director, 2023-2024
Hannah Ryan
Assistant Professor of Art and Art History
Chair, 2023-2024
Anthony Bateza
Associate Professor of Religion
Reformation studies
Andrea Conger
Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
public health studies
Dana Horton
Associate Professor of English and Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Jennifer Kwon Dobbs
Professor of English and Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
poetry and poetics; creative nonfiction; Asian American literature; critical adoption studies
Lau Malaver
Assistant Professor of Race, Ethnic, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Joanne Quimby
Associate Professor of Asian Studies
modern Japanese literature, feminist literary theory, gender and sexuality studies, Japanese film cultural studies, Japanese language
Nancy M. Thompson
Professor of Art and Art History and Race, Ethnic, Gender and Sexuality Studies
medieval art in Europe; medieval and early modern art in Italy; women’s and gender studies