Women & Gender Studies | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Women & Gender Studies

Achieve equality now Do you want to be at the forefront of social change? Do you wonder what it will really take to create an inclusive society? Are you interested in exploring gender, sexuality, Women and feminism?

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Women & Gender Studies at uLethbridge Whether as activists, scholars or labourers, women have generated significant changes in society.

Women and gender studies offer you the opportunity to learn how these changes were initiated and give you the tools to participate in the creation of an inclusive society actively.

Using feminist theory and research methodologies, women and gender studies examine the historical and contemporary conditions of women and men in society.

As a student in this program, you will broaden your knowledge of women’s lives, bodies, experiences, labour and scholarship. You’ll also explore feminism as an influential political and social global movement that has generated significant change in all aspects of daily life for men and women.

Our department draws on a vibrant community of scholars and activists, both inside and outside the university, to explore a wide range of issues.

The department encourages all students to enroll in women and gender studies classes to discover enlightening perspectives applicable to your chosen field of study. By participating in these classes, you will develop an in-depth understanding of how current and historical events, ideas and institutions have been structured by gender, ethnicity, race, age, ability, class and sexuality.

Women & Gender Studies Degrees. The Department of Women & Gender Studies offers a major in women & gender studies for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. Alternatively, you can choose to do a general major in social sciences and select women & gender studies as one of your three streams. You may also declare women & gender studies as the BA major for the Combined BA/BMgt program.

Women & Gender Studies Courses. Courses and areas of interest within the major in women & gender studies include, but are not limited to: • Migration & Citizenship • Critical Perspectives on Activism • Law, Gender & Sexuality & Advocacy • Violence, Poverty & the State • Women & Science • Women & Spirituality • Indigenous Women & Settler • Globalization & Social Justice Colonialism • Feminist Theory & Research • Globalization & Development Methodologies • Feminist Constitutionalism • Critical Race Theories • Human Rights & Political Economies

Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs.

The minor in women & gender studies is available as an add on to all majors in the BA, BSc and BASc except the major in women & gender studies and the general major in the social sciences if women & gender studies is chosen as one of the three streams.

Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors.

Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Learn more about women & gender studies at uLethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/womengender

Our Faculty & Their Research Faculty members at the University of Lethbridge are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research, activism and advocacy projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.

Current Research & Areas of Interest: • Migration & Citizenship • Identities & Difference • Law, Gender & Sexuality • Women & Spirituality • Media & Social Networking • Indigenous Feminisms

• • • • •

Activism/Advocacy Transnational Cinema Settler Colonialism Critical Race Theories Constitutional Law

Your Future Prospects Skills Acquired. By pursuing the major in women & gender studies you will not only broaden your understanding of the world, you will also develop strong critical, analytical and “big picture” thinking skills. Participating in this program will enhance your ability to conduct research and apply your knowledge and expertise across disciplines.

Additionally, you will develop your written and oral communication skills, as well as expand your academic and scholarly expertise. All these abilities are transferable to virtually any industry or occupation and are highly sought after in the working world.

Related Fields. There are numerous career options open to graduates of women & gender studies, such as: • Legal Studies • Anti-violence Lobbying • Human Resources • Anti-poverty Lobbying • Career Development • Immigration • International Development • Multicultural Services • Health Sciences/Promotion • Family Services • Research • Policy Analyst • Social Work • Criminology & Justice Studies • Women’s Shelter Programming • Health Care • Counseling & Psychology • Non-Profit Agencies & NGO • Family Counseling Administration • Children’s Advocacy Work

Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in women & gender studies provides an excellent foundation for law, management, education, cultural studies, social work, non-profit, non-government organizational work and any other occupation that demands critical thinking.

Achieve equality now in Women & Gender Studies.

“I stumbled upon women & gender studies classes in my first year, and it completely changed my life. The classes are interesting, thought-provoking, and can be tailored to your specific interests.

The faculty members are incredible; they all care so much about their students and their work. This department is a supportive community that is made up of passionate and inspiring individuals who strive for social change.”

- Farah, Women & Gender Studies

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University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403-332-4106 womengender@uleth.ca ulethbridge.ca/womengender

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Put Your Knowledge to Work Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Applied Studies

Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

uLethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary.

Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop

Participate in Research

In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.

Contact your department to learn more!

Academic Advising Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at uLethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

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*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.