Gender Studies, minor

Owned by Barbara Byer (Deactivated)
Last updated: Feb 27, 2023 by Mary Sprunger
2 min read

Contact: Mary Sprunger
Semester Hours: 17-18

This 17-18 credit interdisciplinary minor uses gender as a primary category of analysis. Students select course offerings ranging from history, sociology, literature, and theology to popular culture and the arts. An emphasis on the experiences of women brings out voices often neglected in the academy; theories of gender, masculinities, and intersections with race and class also contribute to the curriculum.

This minor will expose how contemporary constructions of gender offer constricted models of identity, calling, and Christian discipleship; explore how historical and modern Anabaptist beliefs and practices may have produced gender constructions that both vary from and mimic the dominant culture; embrace gender equality as an essential component in promoting social justice and peacebuilding; and equip students planning to serve in the global context with sensitivities to gender realities in different cultures and societies around the world. 

Gender Theory Foundation (3 SH)
Choose one course from this list:

  • *HIST 340-345 Topics in History and Gender (when appropriate) (3) 

  • *HIST 352 History of Women-Global Perspectives (3) 

  • *HUM 330-335 Topics in Humanities (when appropriate) (3-4), such as HUM 332 Queer History (3) (Fall 2023)

  • *HUM 420-425 Tutorial in Humanities (when appropriate) (3-4) 

  • SOWK 360 Race and Gender (3) 

Electives (14-15 SH)
Choose additional courses from the gender theory foundation list above or from the list below to complete the minor. In some courses a gender-related theme must be chosen for a significant paper/project in order for the course to apply. (Minors should work closely with the gender studies advisor in course selection).

  • CHST 260 Teaching, Ministry and Healthy Sexuality (3) 

  • *CHST/HIST 435 Martyrs, Merchants, and Mendicants (3) 

  • CORE 401 Senior Seminar (when appropriate) (2) 

  • *ENGL 346 Rooms of Their Own (3) 

  • *ENGL 348 American Manhood (3) 

  • HUM 332 Topics: Queer History (3) (Fall 2023)

  • HIST 341 Topics: History of First Americans (3) (Fall 2023)

  • PXD 485 Theories of Global Development (3) 

  • *REL 312 Topics in Religion-Women and the Bible (3) 

  • SOC 330 Family in the Social Context (3) 

  • THEO 323 Biblical Theology of Peace and Justice (3) 

  • VACA 381 Cinema and Visual Theory (2) 

  • Departmental internships or practica as appropriate

  • Additional courses as appropriate and approved on an individual basis, such as intensive writing or other courses where a student chooses a gender topic for a major project

* indicates the course is offered in alternate years