The Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies major begins with the Introductory course, GWS 111, which introduces students to key topics, concepts, approaches, and problems in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies as the field has developed over the past 40 years. This course is also the prerequisite for many GWSS courses at the 200-level. Students considering a major in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies are encouraged to take GWS 111 within their first three semesters at Grinnell, ideally during their first year. and to meet with a potential GWS faculty adviser to discuss their plan of study.
The 32-credit GWSS major requires the following core courses: GWS 111 (Introduction to GWSS); GWS 249 (Theory and Methodology in GWSS); and GWS 495 (Senior Seminar in GWSS). Majors must also take 200- and 300- level GWSS courses from at least three of the following four topic areas:
- A. Sexuality and Queer Studies
- B. Cross-Cultural and Transnational Approaches
- C. Literary and Artistic Criticism
- D. Political/Philosophical/Historical/Social Analyses
Prior to the preregistration period each semester, a list of the most current course offerings in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies will be made available, including courses in each of the above topic areas.
Please consult the Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies Major Advising Form for a rubric and list of applicable courses that can used to plan a GWSS major. For more details about the GWSS program and major, please see the college catalogue.
