Gender and Women's Studies (MS)

Summary

The MS is recommended for students planning social justice careers. The program prepares students for careers in non-profits, activism, and advocacy, or for further graduate study. Gender and Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary field examining the social construction of gender and sexuality and the intersections of all forms of oppression. The graduate program examines feminist theory and activism and helps students develop skills to bridge the two. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Master of Science

Major Credits

30

Total Credits

30

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

People and Cultures

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Program Requirements

Common Core

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

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

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

Research/Methods Course(s)

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

Restricted Electives

* A total of 12 credits is required between restricted electives and the required capstone course.

Internship - Choose 3 - 6 Credit(s).

Students assist or co-teach an undergraduate Women's Studies course under the supervision of a faculty member.

Prerequisites: none

Placement in a community or university-based internship provides the student with experience and practical skills in a particular field of work or service and/or provides an opportunity to pursue a specific research interest.

Prerequisites: none

Interdisciplinary Electives - Choose 3 - 12 Credit(s). Any 500/600-level course in consultation with your advisor.

Capstone Course

Select either Thesis or Alternate Plan Paper (APP). A minimum of 1 credit is required.

Preparation of an alternate plan paper under supervision of the student's graduate advisor.

Prerequisites: none

Preparation of a thesis under supervision of the student's graduate advisory committee.

Prerequisites: none

Degree Plan

The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 9 Credits

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

Spring - 9 Credits

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

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

Second Year

Fall - 9 Credits

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

Spring - 3 Credits

Policies

Admission policy:

A background in Women's and/or Gender Studies coursework, or experience in community-based gender or social justice programs or organizations is preferred.

GPA policy:

Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA for more than one semester may result in discontinuation of the program.

International Applicants

International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of 79 or an IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic examination.