Gender and Sexuality Studies Major
Major Requirements
Core Courses
Complete the following:
- GSS 100 Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies
- GSS 201 Race, Ethnicity, and Feminist Thought
- One course designated with the (Community-Engaged Learning) attribute*
- One GSS 400 Junior-Senior Seminar
GSS 100 is offered each fall; GSS 201 and 400 are offered each winter.
*Courses designated with the (Community-Engaged Learning) attribute vary from semester to semester. Students should consult the Course Schedule for applicable offerings in a given term.
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 419 Tobacco in History and Culture 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.
Declaration Restrictions
Students who have declared the Gender and Sexuality Studies major may not declare the following:
- Gender and Sexuality Studies minor
- Queer and Trans Studies (C094) concentration
Other Considerations
No more than one Short Term course may be counted toward the major.