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Women's Studies and Gender Studies

Women’s Studies and Gender Studies examines the different perspectives of gender and sexuality in all aspects of life, including politics, education, family, the labour force, literature, and the media.  It looks at the intersections among racism, homophobia, sexism, classism, ableism, and other types of discrimination and how they have affected the social positions of individuals.

 

Women’s Studies and Gender Studies at STU

Women’s Studies and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary program that draws on courses from Sociology, Criminology, Human Rights, Anthropology, and Psychology to provide a well-rounded study of gender and sexuality. The program emphasizes an intersectional perspective, which means students learn to analyze various forms of power differentials. This enables them to address the social inequities present in society and work toward dismantling them. 

A female student sitting at a table in the study hall writing in a notebook

 

“Students enrolled in gender-related courses are exceptionally motivated and knowledgeable. They bring various experiences to projects and class discussions from their personal life and related courses at STU.”

 

Linda Caissie, Coordinator of Women’s Studies and Gender Studies at STU 

 

What sets STU’s Women’s Studies and Gender Studies Program Apart?

  • Small, engaging classes that emphasize personal interaction, discussion, and debate. 
  • The program offers interdisciplinary flexibility, which means students can design their degree based on their interests. 
     
  • Lectures and seminars are always taught by professors—not teaching assistants—which means students learn from experts in the field.  
     
  • Cross-listed courses offer insight into topics and social issues like diversity, social development, humanity, and social justice.  
     
  • Students benefit from faculty expertise in the construction of sexuality knowledge, social problems, queer/trans theories, men and masculinities, globalization and gender, the sociology of gender, and more. 

Where the Study of Women’s Studies and Gender Studies can Take You

Women’s Studies and Gender Studies provides students with skills in research, communication, critical thinking, interpersonal relations, and problem solving. It prepares them to understand different points of view and analyze situations involving sexism, racism, homophobia, colonialism, and other forms of oppression.  

 

This prepares graduates for meaningful careers in fields like:

 

  • Government
  • Community Organizations
  • Education
  • Mental Health and Counselling
  • Public Relations
  • Law
  • Social Work 

 

“This program challenged me to be a critical thinker and question systems of inequality. The field reaches across so many disciplines it allows students to make connections with multiple departments and expand their knowledge and understanding.”

 

Jacob Roy, BA ’19, Women’s Studies and Gender Studies 

 

Gain Experience and Build Your Resume

Connect the study of Women’s Studies and Gender Studies with professional experience through the STU Internship Program in positions with:

 

  • Department of Public Safety
  • Elizabeth Fry Society
  • Nashwaak Villa Nursing Home
  • New Brunswick Association of Social Workers
  • Sexual Violence New Brunswick

Students taking Anthropology of Gender and Sexuality and Queer Anthropology courses conduct their own field-based ethnographic projects. 
 
Many faculty members are involved with non-profit organizations that provide experiential learning opportunities.  

You might be interested in studying Women's Studies and Gender Studies if…

  • You want to explore the struggle for gender equality in politics, education, the family, the labour force, and the media
  • You want to use knowledge to dismantle the inequalities present in society

Featured Courses

Introduction to Women's Studies and Gender Studies 
Introduction to Women's Studies 

Fields that Enhance Your Learning in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies

As an interdisciplinary program, students can examine gender and sexuality through various fields such as Anthropology, Gerontology, Political Science, Criminology, Human Rights, Sociology, History, and Religious Studies.