Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

Sally A. Steindorf, Professor

Faculty from other disciplines also support this program.

What does it mean to be gendered in today’s world? Principia College’s interdisciplinary GSWS minor explores cultural constructions of sex and gender as they intersect with “race,” ethnicity, nationality, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. Students will apply a gender lens to historical experiences, cultural texts and their contexts, and social institutions (e.g. education, government, religion, family). Drawing on feminist, gender, and queer theories and their development over time, students will learn to think critically about identity, normativity, and power. They will analyze gender inequities through local, national, and transnational frameworks, while also learning about movements working toward women’s and LGBTQIA+ empowerment. The GSWS program offers itself as an ally and advocate for women and LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty at the college.