Women???s and Gender Studies

The Women's and Gender Studies program at Carleton University offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of gender, sexuality, and feminist theory. Designed to foster critical thinking and promote social justice, this program examines the societal, cultural, and political dimensions of gender identity and relations. Students engaging in this program will analyze a wide range of issues including feminism, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and the impact of race, class, and ethnicity on gender experiences. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical research, the program encourages students to develop analytical skills, gain diverse perspectives, and become active contributors to social change. The curriculum includes courses on the history of women’s movements, contemporary gender debates, media representations, and intersectionality. Participants will have opportunities to undertake research projects, internships, and community engagement activities that deepen their understanding of gender issues in various contexts. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, public policy, social services, advocacy organizations, journalism, and other fields where an understanding of gender dynamics is essential. With a dedicated faculty of experts in women's studies, queer theory, and social justice, students receive a supportive learning environment that emphasizes critical inquiry and activism. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to analyze complex social problems and contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive society through informed advocacy and leadership. The Women’s and Gender Studies program at Carleton University underscores the importance of intersectional and global perspectives, preparing students to address gender-related challenges at local, national, and international levels.

The Women's and Gender Studies program at Carleton University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to explore the complex issues surrounding gender, sexuality, and feminist theory across diverse cultural and social contexts. This program aims to foster critical thinking and provide students with a nuanced understanding of how gender identities and inequalities shape historical developments, social institutions, and cultural practices. Students will engage with a wide range of topics, including feminist theory, queer studies, gender and media, race and ethnicity, health and body politics, and social justice. The curriculum encourages analysis of gender from multiple perspectives, integrating insights from sociology, history, literature, political science, and anthropology. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, research projects, and community engagement, students develop skills in critical analysis, research methodologies, and effective communication. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in education, advocacy, public policy, social services, media, and non-profit sectors, as well as for further academic study. Emphasizing inclusivity and intersectionality, the Women's and Gender Studies program promotes an understanding of how gender interacts with other social categories such as race, class, ethnicity, and ability, creating complex systems of privilege and oppression. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships, special seminars, and research initiatives that connect academic theories to real-world issues. The program also encourages active participation in promoting gender equality and social justice within local communities and beyond. Graduates of the program are equipped with critical perspectives and analytical skills necessary to challenge inequalities and contribute meaningfully to social change. Overall, Carleton's Women's and Gender Studies program provides a rigorous and dynamic academic environment for exploring the multifaceted dimensions of gender and empowering students to become informed and engaged citizens committed to equity and justice.

The Women's and Gender Studies program at Carleton University requires students to complete a total of 30 credit hours for a Bachelor's degree. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of gender, feminist theories, and social inequalities through interdisciplinary coursework. Students must complete a combination of core courses, electives, and a major research paper or project. The core courses include Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies, Feminist Theories, and Research Methods in Gender Studies. Electives cover a diverse range of topics such as Gender and Politics, Gender and Media, Sexuality Studies, Women and Social Movements, and Intersectionality. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and internships to gain practical experience in the field. Some courses may include community engagement components or fieldwork, emphasizing experiential learning. To graduate, students must maintain a minimum GPA as specified by the university and complete all required courses with passing grades. The program also promotes interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to take courses across departments such as Sociology, Anthropology, History, Political Science, and English, among others. For honors students, a research thesis or major project is required, typically involving original research under faculty supervision. Throughout their studies, students are expected to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of gender issues in various social, cultural, and political contexts. The program prepares graduates for careers in advocacy, policy analysis, community organizing, education, and further academic research. Opportunities for specialization in areas such as LGBTQ+ studies, race and ethnicity, or global gender issues are also available, allowing students to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals.

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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The Women’s and Gender Studies program at Carleton University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a critical understanding of gender, sexuality, and women’s issues within various social, political, and cultural contexts. Regarding financing, students enrolled in this program have access to a range of funding options to support their education. Financial assistance may include government-sponsored loans and grants, such as the Canada Student Loans Program, which provides need-based financial support to eligible students. Additionally, Carleton University offers various internal scholarships and awards for which students can apply based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as community involvement or leadership qualities. Many students also pursue part-time work through on-campus employment opportunities, including positions related to academic departments or student services, which can help subsidize living expenses and tuition costs. The university occasionally provides bursaries aimed at supporting students in different faculties, including the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, under which Women’s and Gender Studies is administered. Furthermore, students may be eligible for external scholarships provided by government or private organizations that support marginalized groups or promote gender equality in higher education. Some students also choose to seek funding through research grants if they participate in research projects or academic conferences related to their field of study. International students, in particular, should explore scholarship opportunities aimed at supporting their studies, as well as specific financial planning resources available through the university's International Student Services. It is recommended that students interested in funding options regularly consult the Carleton University Financial Aid and Student Awards Office, which provides up-to-date information on available scholarships, bursaries, and loan programs. Budgeting advice and financial planning resources are also accessible through the university to help students manage their educational expenses effectively. Overall, while the Women’s and Gender Studies program itself may not have specific dedicated funding, students have numerous avenues for financial support through university, government, and private sector schemes, which can help alleviate the financial burden of higher education and enable them to focus on their academic and research pursuits within the program.

Women’s and Gender Studies at Carleton University is an interdisciplinary program designed to explore the social, cultural, political, and economic issues related to gender, sexuality, and feminist theory. The program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that enable students to critically analyze the historical and contemporary roles of women and gender diverse individuals in various contexts. Through a curriculum that integrates perspectives from sociology, history, political science, cultural studies, and other disciplines, students develop a comprehensive understanding of gender relations and social justice issues. The program emphasizes the importance of intersectionality, examining how race, class, ethnicity, and other social identities intersect with gender to shape individual experiences and societal structures. Students engage with a wide range of topics including gender identity, sexual orientation, feminism, patriarchy, violence against women, reproductive rights, and gender representation in media and literature. The faculty members are experts in their fields and often involve students in research projects, community outreach, and conferences, fostering an active academic community dedicated to social change. The program also offers opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and collaborative projects, preparing graduates for careers in education, advocacy, public policy, social work, media, and other fields where gender issues are central. Carleton University’s location in Ottawa provides unique access to governmental institutions and NGOs, enhancing the practical experience of students. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, inclusive dialogue, and social responsibility among its students, empowering them to become informed advocates for gender equality and social justice. Courses are offered both on-campus and online, ensuring accessibility for diverse student populations. Overall, Women’s and Gender Studies at Carleton University provides a rigorous, inclusive, and dynamic academic environment for those committed to understanding and transforming gender-based inequalities in society.