Sexuality and Gender Studies
Sexuality and Gender Studies investigates human sexuality and gender identity from a broad, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural perspective. Over the course of history and development of diverse cultures, notions of sexuality and gender have varied. Sexuality and Gender Studies pushes beyond a binary understanding of sex and gender, while interrogating the development and maintenance of norms. For example, a minor in Sexuality and Gender Studies helps students to question how gender identity, sexuality, and ideas of “normal” work in tandem with race, ethnicity, nationality, class, disability, age, religion, and more to create social categories that result in structural, institutional, and ideological inequality and oppression. This program draws from many disciplines, each one contributing a unique perspective on how we “live” our gender and sexuality, to enable students to analyze the myriad dimensions of human identity and experience that are shaped by sexuality and gender.
Degree Types: Minor
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You want to translate your curiosities, experiences, passions, and interests into actionable and meaningful work.
- You seek out inclusive environments, with persons of different backgrounds, cultures, and races to understand their points of view.
- You are passionate about gender equity, human rights, and social justice.
- You want to explore how gender and sexuality play a role in culture, the arts, literature, health, politics, the sciences, law, and education.
- You see yourself as a change agent in this world!
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- Sexual Identity Over the Lifespan
- Introduction to Queer Theory
- Gender and Sexuality in China
- Debates in Contemporary Feminism
- Biology of Sex
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Education Abroad Destinations
Austria
United Kingdom
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Continuing Education
- Graduate school to study law, healthcare, the arts, humanities, education, and science
Alumni Industries
Communications, Government, Healthcare, Human Resources, Law, Marketing
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed in the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
at Penn State University Park.