Women's Studies Program
Minor
Women’s studies creates an interdisciplinary framework for analyzing the historical, economic, political, social and cultural experiences of women.
Women’s studies courses strengthen critical inquiry as students learn to think and read through the lens of women’s experiences and lives. Women’s studies courses are premised on the assumption that sexism exits in North America, as well as in most places in the world, and has a profound impact on women’s lives. Students examine gender as a social construct which is essential to understanding power relations, social customs, and institutions.
Virtually all graduate programs and professions require a consideration of gender issues. A background in women’s studies is thus useful for further academic studies. It also prepares students for a variety of occupations, such as law, criminal justice, business, social welfare, healthcare, counseling, human resources, economic development, education, journalism, literature, the arts, and community organizing at the local, national or international levels. Look here for a list of the things you can do with a minor in women’s studies!
The minor in women’s studies requires the completion of WMS 200 and four electives. With the permission of the women’s studies coordinator, another course on a women’s related issue or internship or co-op may be substituted for one of the required courses. Other courses include those that address women’s studies issues such as gender, race, class, etc.
The program draws its strength from using an interdisciplinary framework to analyze the historical, economic, political, social, and cultural experiences of women, and from providing critical tools for analytical inquiry into the lives of women through the use of “gender lens,” and active integration of students’ own experiences and lives.
All courses that qualify for women's studies minor also fulfill other general education and/or major requirements.
The NU Women's Studies Program writing award is open to any Niagara University undergraduate who writes a critical paper about women’s issues.
Social Services
Advocacy
Community Development
Archivist
Women's Clinics
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
