Women's and Gender Studies

Women’s and Gender Studies at Carleton College offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum dedicated to exploring the social, cultural, political, and historical dimensions of gender and sexuality. The program aims to deepen students’ understanding of gender identities, roles, and inequalities across different societies and historical periods, fostering critical thinking and promoting social justice. Through a combination of coursework, research opportunities, and community engagement, students examine issues such as gender oppression, feminist theory, LGBTQ+ rights, intersectionality, and the ways gender intersects with race, class, ethnicity, and other social categories. The program encourages students to critically analyze traditional narratives and to develop their own perspectives on gender dynamics in contemporary society. Students have access to a diverse range of courses taught by faculty members who are engaged in cutting-edge scholarship in fields including history, literature, sociology, anthropology, political science, and more. The major offers flexibility for students to tailor their studies to personal interests, with potential for minors and concentrations in related areas. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships, community service, and research projects that complement their academic pursuits and prepare them for careers in advocacy, education, social policy, and allied fields. Women’s and Gender Studies at Carleton College is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse identities and experiences while promoting equity and social change. Through this program, students gain the skills, knowledge, and awareness to become thoughtful, informed contributors to a more just and equitable society.

The Women's and Gender Studies program at Carleton College offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to explore the complex social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of gender and sexuality. The program equips students with a critical understanding of how gender identities and roles are constructed and challenged across different historical contexts and cultural settings. Through coursework that integrates perspectives from literature, history, sociology, anthropology, political science, and other disciplines, students examine issues such as gender inequality, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, race and ethnicity, and global gender justice. The curriculum encourages critical analysis of gendered power structures and equips students with the tools to challenge systemic inequalities. Students have opportunities to engage in research projects, participate in internships, and contribute to community programs that promote gender equity and social justice. The program promotes an inclusive learning environment that values diverse viewpoints and experiences, fostering dialogue and understanding. Graduates of the Women's and Gender Studies program are prepared for careers in education, advocacy, public policy, social services, journalism, and other fields where an understanding of gender issues is vital. The program also provides a strong foundation for those interested in further academic study or graduate work in gender studies, sociology, anthropology, law, and related disciplines. Throughout their studies, students develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills that are essential for effective advocacy and informed citizenship. The program emphasizes active engagement with contemporary gender issues, encouraging students to become articulate and compassionate advocates for social change. By integrating theory and practice, Carleton’s Women's and Gender Studies program aims to produce thoughtful, socially conscious individuals committed to advancing gender equity and justice in their communities and beyond.

The Women's and Gender Studies program at Carleton College offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to explore the social, cultural, political, and historical constructions of gender and sexuality. Students enrolled in this program are encouraged to engage critically with issues of gender identity, intersectionality, and social justice through interdisciplinary coursework. The program requires students to complete a set of core courses that lay the foundation for understanding key theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches in gender studies. These core courses typically include an introduction to women's and gender studies, advanced seminars on gender theory, and courses focusing on specific topics such as race, class, sexuality, and globalization.

In addition to the core courses, students are expected to select several electives from a diverse range of disciplines, including literature, history, sociology, anthropology, political science, and the arts, among others. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to gain a multifaceted perspective on issues related to gender and to develop analytical skills applicable across fields. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in internships, community projects, or research initiatives that connect academic theories to real-world practices.

To earn a Bachelor's degree through the Women's and Gender Studies program, students must complete a minimum of X credits, including both required courses and electives, maintaining a specified GPA as stipulated by the college. A culminating experience such as a senior thesis, seminar paper, or project is often required to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter and research skills. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in workshipshops, conferences, and seminars that promote engagement with current debates and innovations in the field. Overall, the program aims to prepare students for leadership roles, graduate study, and careers that require critical thinking about gender issues in contemporary society.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Funding for the Women's and Gender Studies program at Carleton College is primarily sourced through a combination of institutional support, scholarships, and external grants. As a liberal arts college committed to fostering inclusive and diverse academic environments, Carleton College allocates substantial resources to sustain and develop its Women’s and Gender Studies offerings. Students enrolled in the program have access to departmental scholarships and workshop grants that are designed to support research projects, conference attendance, and additional academic pursuits in gender studies.

The college’s financial aid policies aim to promote equitable access, including need-based grants, work-study opportunities, and federal aid programs. Many students in the program benefit from federal and state financial assistance programs, which are coordinated through the college’s Office of Financial Aid. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek external scholarships from organizations dedicated to gender equality, social justice, and academic achievement in gender studies fields. The college also partners with various foundations and nonprofits that provide funding specifically targeted toward students pursuing studies related to women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice issues.

Internships, research assistantships, and summer research programs are often supported financially through the college or external grants, giving students practical experience while reducing financial barriers. Carleton College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends into its funding mechanisms, ensuring that students from various socio-economic backgrounds can fully engage with the Women’s and Gender Studies program. Overall, the blend of institutional funding, scholarships, grants, and external sources ensures that students interested in this discipline can pursue their academic goals without undue financial hardship, fostering a vibrant and inclusive academic community dedicated to advancing knowledge in women’s and gender studies.

Women’s and Gender Studies at Carleton College offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program that explores the social, cultural, political, and historical constructions of gender and sexuality. The program aims to provide students with a critical understanding of gender inequalities and the ways in which gender intersects with race, class, ethnicity, nationality, and other identities. Through coursework that combines perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and arts, students are encouraged to examine how gender influences individual experiences and societal structures. The curriculum includes courses on feminist theory, gender identity, queer studies, women’s history, media representations, and global gender issues, among others. Students have opportunities to engage in research, participate in discussions, and develop critical thinking skills essential for understanding complex social dynamics.

In addition to coursework, Carleton College’s Women’s and Gender Studies program emphasizes experiential learning. Students may participate in internships, attend talks and conferences, and collaborate with community organizations that focus on gender justice and advocacy. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to combine their studies with other fields such as anthropology, literature, political science, and sociology. This flexibility enables students to tailor their academic experience to their specific interests and career goals.

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in education, advocacy, public policy, media, non-profit organizations, and further academic study. The program prepares students to critically analyze gender issues and to become active, informed participants in fostering social change. Faculty members involved in Women’s and Gender Studies at Carleton are engaged scholars committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through their teaching and research. Overall, this program aims to cultivate thoughtful, socially conscious individuals capable of examining and challenging gender-based inequalities in various contexts.