Women & Gender Studies, Minor
Minor in Women and Gender Studies
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Overview
Admissions and Requirements
Courses You’ll Take
Tuition & Fees
Program Overview
The online minor in Women's & Gender Studies prepares graduates to promote social justice and gender equity.
In an increasingly diverse and globally complex world, the online Women's & Gender Studies minor explores gender as a system of relations and power. With women at the center of inquiry, this program places value on the diversity of race, sexuality and class in this complex world.
Through extensive elective options, students gain an understanding of:
- Diversity
- Privilege
- Intersectionality
- Pluralism
Career Outlook: With shifting political and social climates, the field of social studies has grown. A minor in Women's & Gender Studies does not prepare graduates for just one type of job but many different professions and provides them with a toolkit to work in an increasingly diverse and global job market.
This program is ideal for professionals who wish to work in professions such as:
- Health programs for women
- Nursing or other health-related professions
- Domestic violence educators
- Lobbyists for public policy
- Counseling or therapy
- Advocates for women based on victim assistance or sexual assault services
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
2.5 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
Official transcripts from all previous schools
NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states
To apply to this program:
- Complete and submit the online application for admissions
- Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee
Courses You’ll Take
Course Information
Select 15 credit hours of electives in at least two departments.
Core Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WSTD 220 | Women's & Gender Studies | 3 |
This course explores the interdisciplinary subject of Women's and Gender Studies where woman is understood as a category of analysis and gender is studied as a system of relations and power. Society's role in constructing gender, sexuality and race will also be explored, as will the idea that feminism is a historical process. | ||
Elective Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CJUS 360 | Sex Crimes | 3 |
This course is designed to introduce the students to the growing problem of sex crimes. Areas covered will include prostitution, the role of fantasy in sex crimes, pornography, Internet related sex crimes, sex trafficking and tourism, pedophilia, dangerous sex crimes, and rape. Related laws, typologies of offenders, profiling offenders, and evidence collection will also be discussed. | ||
| WSTD 220 | Women's & Gender Studies | 3 |
This course explores the interdisciplinary subject of Women's and Gender Studies where woman is understood as a category of analysis and gender is studied as a system of relations and power. Society's role in constructing gender, sexuality and race will also be explored, as will the idea that feminism is a historical process. | ||
| CSP 418 | Introduction to Counseling and Social Advocacy | 3 |
This course is designed to introduce the student to the broad field of counseling and to provide an orientation to counseling as a helping profession. A knowledge base related to the characteristics and training of effective counselors as well as a description of clients who enter counseling is the content foundation of this course. This involves both information and experience focused on the nature of helping relationship and the skills, attitudes, and beliefs involved in developing and maintaining this relationship. Finally, the therapeutic benefits to the client are explored. | ||
| FSID 151 | Human Sexual Behavior | 3 |
A course designed to help the individual to understand himself as a whole person so that he relates to others in a healthy, constructive and meaningful manner. Evaluation of one's own values in relation to life-style and the value structure of society. | ||
| ART 422 | Women in Art | 3 |
A chronological survey from the prehistoric era through the end of the twentieth century, analyzing women's artistic role in their societies and highlighting pertinent issues in each individual period. | ||
| ENG 254 | Introduction to Literature: Special Topics | 3 |
Introduces types of literature and techniques used in writing and reading texts; works will differ in genre, style, source, and context from section to section.
Total Credits Allowed: 12.00
Prerequisite: ENG 102 | ||
| ENG 260 | Images of Women in Literature | 3 |
An introduction to the study of images of women in various genres of literature. Works of fiction, poetry, and drama written by women will be studied and discussed.
Prerequisite: ENG 102 | ||
| JMC 425 | Topics in Mass Media | 1 |
The course examines various aspects of mass communication. The content of the course will be announced each time the course is offered. Possible topics include: public policy and the media; women, minorities and the media, and advanced web site design. 1-3 credit hours
Total Credits Allowed: 9.00 | ||
| PSCI 378 | Feminist Political Thought | 3 |
An introduction to the major theorists and defining ideas for various types of feminism, e.g., liberal feminism, radical feminism, Marxist feminism, eco-feminism. The course considers common ideas and differences across the types of feminism and uses the theoretical perspectives as lenses through which to examine contemporary political issues and events. | ||
| SOC 380 | Sociology of Sexuality | 3 |
This course is designed to explore the social bases of human sexual interaction. Though we may perceive sex to be a natural and biologically driven behavior, it is in fact, largely shaped by social norms, values, and expectations. Therefore, over the course of the semester, we will examine the variety of human sexual behaviors, as well as the social context in which these behaviors occur and develop. | ||
| FORL 357 | Seminar on Women in a Foreign Literature | 3 |
A study of women writers from France and/or Francophone countries, German-speaking countries, Spain and/or Latin America or a study of the depiction of women in one or more of these literatures. (Generally taught concurrently with FREN 357, GERM 357 or SPAN 357.) | ||
| CJUS 315 | Victimology: Victims of Crime | 3 |
This course is designed to introduce the students to the overall problems dealing with victimization. Areas covered will include homicides, child abuse and neglect, rape, spouse abuse, abuse to the elderly, and other victimizations along with the post traumatic stress involved. The philosophy, history, and objectives of victimology will be reviewed in additions to the Victims' Rights Movement and research findings about victims. This course is designed to assist students in relating to victims of crime in a professional manner. | ||
| CJUS 380GS | Minorities and Criminal Justice | 3 |
This course provides a survey of minority relations and criminal justice adjudication in America (law enforcement, judicial processing and corrections). Particular attention is focused on majority/minority relations and how these sentiments are reflected within the criminal justice process. While many minority groups will be examined, three will be emphasized: (1) racial minorities; (2) female victims and offenders; and (3) unique white ethnic subcultures. | ||
| SPAN 357 | Seminar on Women in Hispanic Literature | 3 |
A study of women writers from Spain and/or Latin America or a study of the depiction of women in one or more of these literatures.
Prerequisite: SPAN 205 or equivalent | ||
| HIST 421 | Women in American | 3 |
A history of women in America from the colonial period to the present. | ||
| JMC 460 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
An examination of the theories, issues, and controversies surrounding the mass media. Particular emphasis will be given to press ethics, freedom and media effects.
Prerequisite: Junior standing | ||
| CJUS 370 | Women and Crime | 3 |
The study of gender criminology, female offenders, and the incarceration and treatment of offending women; an examination of female victims of male violence including battering, stalking, and sexual victimization; an evaluation of women working in the criminal justice field, their employment and promotion rates, gender discrimination, and safety on the job. | ||
| ENG 360 | American Women Writers | 3 |
Surveys American women's writings from early captivity narratives to contemporary avant-garde poetry.
Prerequisite: ENG 234 or department permission | ||
| SOWK 479 | Violence Across the Lifespan | 3 |
The course focuses on the causes, prevalence, treatment and prevention of violence that individuals may encounter throughout the lifespan. It maintains a dual focus on victims and perpetrators of violence, the impact of violence on vulnerable groups, and prevention and intervention strategies that may be used in practice, programming, policy, and research. | ||
| PSCI 353 | Race & Politics | 3 |
A comparative and analytical study of race and politics in the United States. Theories of race and their role in shaping public understandings, social mobilization, and governmental policy. Particular attention will be given to the social construction of race and the political implications of theories of whiteness, African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos. | ||
| SOWK 420 | Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
The course examines cultural, social, and economic diversity; the role of social institutions and social, political, and cultural processes as they relate to discrimination and oppression based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class and disability status. | ||
| PSY 374 | Psychology of Gender | 3 |
Motivational levels, goals, self-concept, and various personality characteristics which differentiate between women and men are studied. Rearing differences between boys and girls and their accompanying behavioral expectations are studied as well as the development of sex differences in intellectual and biological functions. | ||
| ENG 359 | Contemporary American Multicultural Lit | 3 |
This course will examine multiculturalism and how it has impacted American literature. Readings will include philosophical, historical, and political approaches to multiculturalism. Students will read a wide variety of contemporary American ethnic literatures, including writings by Native American, African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American authors.
Prerequisite: ENG 234 or department permission | ||
| SOWK 170 | Introduction to Social Welfare | 3 |
The course explores the foundation and principles of social welfare in American society. The spectrum of social welfare programs and issues are examined with emphasis on the contexts that shape them and the impact they have on vulnerable and underrepresented groups. | ||
| SOWK 410 | Social Policy & Programs | 3 |
The course examines the historical evolution of Social policy, value assumptions, as well as the social, political, and economic contexts and processes that impact it. Students learn the skills required for analysis of policies and advocacy for social and economic justice. Prereq: SOWK 170GS | ||
| MUS 247 | Women Composers and Their Music: A Historial Approsch | 3 |
| SOC 430 | Sociology of Family | 3 |
A sociological analysis of the family as a social unit. Topics focus on historical changes, cultural patterns, social class influences, group processes, institutional aspects, contemporary social changes and the future of the family. The evolving role of women will be examined for its impact on the family.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission | ||
| ENG 425 | Children's Literature | 3 |
A study of texts recommended to and/or popular among children, informed by readings of literary criticism and historical discourses on childhood.
Prerequisite: ENG 234 or ENG 235H or ENG 240H or ENG 250 or ENG 251 or ENG 252 or ENG 253 or ENG 254 or ENG 280H or department permission | ||
| SOC 462 | Sociology of Health and Illness | 3 |
This course provides an introduction to the field of medical sociology with attention to physical as well as mental illnesses. The emphasis will be upon the influence of social factors in becoming ill and social factors which influence treatment. Topics to be covered will include: Social epidemiology, health and illness behavior, the health professions, health care institutions, and alternative systems of health service.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission | ||
| SOC 201 | Social Inequality | 3 |
Prereq: none
An examination of the American social class system and its impact on the lives of the members of society. Theories of the development of social classes are offered as a basis for class discussions. Alternative social class systems are examined along with the American system. The course concentrates on power relationships, ownership of assets, and the impact of class membership on values, beliefs, attitudes, life styles and life chances. | ||
| FREN 357 | Seminar on Women in French/Francophone Lit | 3 |
A study of women writers from France and/or Francophone countries or a study of the depiction of women in one or more of these literatures.
Prerequisite: FREN 201 | ||
| SOC 369 | Sociology of Gender | 3 |
A course designed to increase knowledge regarding the initial development of sex-roles, socialization for behavior that is appropriate to gender, and the satisfaction of personal needs through interaction with societal groups. The intention is to raise student consciousness of expanding options for future family life, occupational choices and social relationships.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission | ||
Other Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WSTD 220 | Women's & Gender Studies | 3 |
This course explores the interdisciplinary subject of Women's and Gender Studies where woman is understood as a category of analysis and gender is studied as a system of relations and power. Society's role in constructing gender, sexuality and race will also be explored, as will the idea that feminism is a historical process. | ||
Tuition & Fees
Nebraska Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $259.00
- Fees
- $52.25
- Total
- $311.25
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $777.00
- Fees
- $156.75
- Total
- $933.75
Out of State Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $396.00
- Fees
- $52.25
- Total
- $448.25
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $1188.00
- Fees
- $156.75
- Total
- $1344.75
Linda Van Ingen, Ph.D.
Professor
Linda Van Ingen focuses her research on modern U.S. political and social history with a special interest in issues of gender, race, class and aging. Van Ingen’s publications contribute to the historiography of women in politics by exploring the limits of state suffrage for women candidates and by introducing the concept of a gendered politics of accommodation. She advises graduate student thesis projects in areas of civil rights, women’s history and modern U.S. political history.
Application Deadlines
Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.