Major in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS)

Major Requirements (Bachelor of Arts)

The major in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) requires a total of ten WGSS-designated courses (40 credits):

  • One introductory course:
    • WGSS 200. Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
  • Two courses in Theoretical Inquiries, such as:
    • WGSS 281. Topics in Theoretical Inquiries
    • WGSS 381. Intermediate Topics in Theoretical Inquiries
    • WGSS 405. Women and the Law
    • WGSS 481. Advanced Topics in Theoretical Inquiries
  • Two courses in Social Justice, Social Movements, such as:
    • SOC 240. Women of Color in the U.S.
    • HIST 266. U.S. Women Since 1874 (WGSS 280/380)
    • WGSS 282. Topics in Social Justice, Social Movements
    • SOC 324. Gender and Work (WGSS 384E)
    • SOC 340. Women and the U.S. Criminal Justice System (WGSS 382)
    • WGSS 382. Intermediate Topics in Social Justice, Social Movements
    • WGSS 482. Advanced Topics in Social Justice, Social Movements
  • Three courses in Critical Humanities and/or Critical Social Sciences, such as:
    • Critical Humanities
      • WGSS 283. Topics in Critical Humanities
      • WGSS 383. Intermediate Topics in Critical Humanities
      • WGSS 483. Advanced Topics in Critical Humanities
  • Critical Social Sciences
    • ANTH 221. Anthropology of Sex and Sexuality (WGSS 221)
    • WGSS 284. Topics in Critical Social Sciences
    • WGSS 300. Exploring Queer Lives
    • SOC 353. The Sociology of Reproduction (WGSS 384E)
    • WGSS 384. Intermediate Topics in Critical Social Sciences
    • WGSS 484. Advanced Topics in Critical Social Sciences
  • Two General Topics courses, such as:
    • WGSS 280. General Topics in WGSS
    • WGSS 380. Intermediate Topics in WGSS
    • WGSS 480. Advanced Topics in WGSS

The above courses must also meet the following requirements:

  • At least six courses (24 credits) must be at the 300 level or higher
  • At least three courses (12 credits) must be cross-listed, each with a different department
  • At least five courses (20 credits) must be taken at Binghamton University, including at least three courses (12 credits) at the 300 level or above, and at least one advanced course (4 credits) at the 400 level (e.g., a seminar, internship, or independent study course)
  • Students must receive a grade of "C" or higher for a course to be counted toward the major (courses taken Pass/Fail do not count)

Note: Some non-WGSS courses may be used to meet the above requirements if approved by the WGSS Committee or Program Director. Students should take 200-level courses before enrolling in more advanced 300- and 400-level courses.

For more information visit the University Bulletin or contact WGSS director, Benita Roth.