Gender and Women's Studies (GC)

Summary

The Gender & Women's Studies graduate certificate is available to anyone who wishes to learn more about GWS, including students currently pursuing a graduate degree at Minnesota State Mankato and post-baccalaureate working professionals. The Certificate offers students the opportunity to evaluate numerous feminist theories of social justice; synthesize social change strategies; enhance oral and written communication; and analyze GWS as a movement and a discipline. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Certificate

Major Credits

12

Total Credits

12

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

People and Cultures

Program Requirements

Common Core

Choose 6 Credit(s).

We explore the key philosophical and methodological issues in feminist pedagogy with an emphasis on application of the material learned. In addition to readings, discussions, and lectures, students develop a teaching philosophy, design a course, write a syllabus, prepare a lesson plan, teach a session, design evaluations, and develop a curriculum vitae.

Prerequisites: none

An exploration and overview of lesbian/bisexual/transgender identities. Possible topics include historical and cross-cultural perspectives; lesbian/bisexual/transgender identities in relation to class, race, age, ethnicity, and disability; lesbian feminism, images and stereotypes; legal status and lesbian/bisexual/transgender cultures.

Prerequisites: none

Emphasis is on analytical skills and group dynamics as well as subject content including collective action strategies.

Prerequisites: none

This seminar serves as a critique/work group for class members' thesis and publication goals. We examine the formation of critical consciousness.

Prerequisites: none

We explore theoretical and epistemological issues in feminist research, as well as developing the practical nuts and bolts skills needed to conduct our own research. Research skill workshops include Internet and WEB resources in research and constructing a research design. Class members organize and participate in a research conference.

Prerequisites: none

This course will address critical issues facing women in developing countries in the context of an increasingly globalized order. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with global issues/global feminist theory.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the development of theories and strategies used by various groups of women to create social change. Special focus on the major theories and issues of first, second, and third wave faminism.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Choose 6 Credit(s).

Students will learn about the legal, cultural, and political factors that contribute to sexual assault and gendered violence. This course will combine hands-on training in activism from course instructors and community members in the field of sexual assault advocacy, as well as a background in theories of gender and sexual assault. Sexual assault advocates provide confidential services to victims of sexual violence, including hospital and legal advocacy, crisis counseling, and emotional support. Students who satisfactorily complete 40 hours of training will be certified as sexual assault advocates at the end of the semester.

Prerequisites: none

Offered according to student demand and instructor availability/expertise, topics courses provide curriculum enrichment on an ongoing basis.

Prerequisites: none

Emphasis is on analytical skills and group dynamics as well as subject content including collective action strategies.

Prerequisites: none

This seminar serves as a critique/work group for class members' thesis and publication goals. We examine the formation of critical consciousness.

Prerequisites: none

We explore theoretical and epistemological issues in feminist research, as well as developing the practical nuts and bolts skills needed to conduct our own research. Research skill workshops include Internet and WEB resources in research and constructing a research design. Class members organize and participate in a research conference.

Prerequisites: none

This course will address critical issues facing women in developing countries in the context of an increasingly globalized order. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with global issues/global feminist theory.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the development of theories and strategies used by various groups of women to create social change. Special focus on the major theories and issues of first, second, and third wave faminism.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Students must be admitted to the graduate college to begin the GWS grad certificate. Students take 12 credits of GWS grad courses and list those courses on the application for graduation.