Gender and Sexuality Studies Major
Major Requirements
Core Courses
Complete the following courses:
- GSS 100 Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies
- GSS 201 Race, Ethnicity, and Feminist Thought
- GSS 250 Interdisciplinary Studies: Methods and Modes of Inquiry
- One GSS 400 Junior-Senior Seminar
Majors are encouraged to take GSS 100 and GSS 250 before the end of the sophomore year. GSS 100 and 250 are offered each fall; GSS 201 and 400 are offered each winter.
Additional Courses
Complete at least five additional Gender and Sexuality Studies courses or program-approved courses offered by other departments and programs. At least two of these five courses must be at the 300- or 400-level. FYS 203 Family Stories or FYS 582 Skating Away from the Binaries may also be used as an additional course.
Thesis
Complete at least one course from the following:
Planning for the senior thesis should begin in the junior year. In consultation with the chair of the program, each student chooses a thesis advisor according to the subject matter of the thesis. With the assistance of the thesis advisor, each major submits a thesis proposal to the faculty Committee on Gender and Sexuality Studies according to a schedule determined by the program. Students should consult the program website for thesis guidelines and a schedule of deadlines.
Courses Taken Outside of Bates
Students should consult the program chair about transfer credits that may be used toward fulfillment of major requirements.
Pass/Fail
Aside from the thesis, which must be taken for a grade, there are no restrictions on the use of the Pass/Fail option within the major.
Restricted Declarations
Students who have declared the Gender and Sexuality Studies major may not declare the following:
- Gender and Sexuality Studies minor
Other Considerations
No more than one Short Term course may be counted toward the major.