Undergraduate Minor
in Gender Studies

Undergraduate Minor

The Isom Center offers a Gender Studies Minor, an interdisciplinary course of study that will help students understand how and why notions of “masculinity” and “femininity” have changed at different times and in different cultures. Analysis of gender also includes attention to other social categories, such as race, ethnicity, class, nationality, ability, age, and sexual orientation. Students can select from a variety of cross-listed courses taught by some of the best and most innovative teachers from the departments of African-American Studies, Classics, English, History, Modern Languages, Political Science, Philosophy & Religion, Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology, and Southern Studies. A minor with an emphasis in Sexuality & Queer Studies is also available.

Requirements

A minor in gender studies requires the completion of G ST 201 plus 15 additional semester hours of gender studies courses. Please visit the UM catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.  All students are encouraged to see Dr. Jaime Harker, Director of the Isom Center, to enroll in the minor.

An optional sexuality/queer studies emphasis requires 9 hours (of the 18-hour total) from the following list of courses: G St 202, 324, 329, 337, 349, 350, 353, 364, 382, 384, 402, 423, 433, 438, 460, 490, 596. Students may use G St 301, 395, 399, 497, 498, and 499 with permission of the director of gender studies.

Major in Gender Studies

The Isom Center does not yet offer a formal major in Gender Studies. Students interested in having such a concentration are encouraged to consider enrolling in the B. A. in Liberal Studies. All information posted on the Gender Studies Minor is also relevant to the B. A. in Liberal Studies.

Bachelor of General Studies

Gender Studies can be used as one of three minors to create an interdisciplinary major and receive a BGS degree.  For more requirements, please visit bgs.olemiss.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Gender Studies Program

How Do I Enroll in The Program?

Most UM students wait to identify their minors on their Degree Application Forms their senior years. However, because we want to get to know our students, the Gender Studies Program recommends that you follow these steps to enroll in the minor. You may choose to attend an Information session on Gender Studies, announced in GST classes and through UM email. You are encouraged to make an appointment with the Director at 915-5916 or isomctr@olemiss.edu. At your meeting with her, you will fill out a program of study, mapping out the classes you hope to take. This initial contact has the following benefits: you may receive information on what semesters our courses are usually offered and their instructors and content; get career advice; and become involved in our program by subscribing to our listservs, joining allied student organizations, or attending Isom programs.

Whom Do I See For Advising?

The Director will be your advisor in Gender Studies. Call, e-mail, or set up an appointment with her. The Director also will inform your academic advisor in your major of your decision to minor in GST. That advisor, like you, may consult this web site for updated information on courses and requirements.

What Are The Requirements?

Six courses in Gender Studies. Because many of our courses are cross-listed with other departments, make sure you register for the GST-prefixed sections. Two of these required courses must be from the following: GST 201, 301, 325, 333, 338, 390, or 494. Although it is not now required, it is recommended that minors take GST 201: Women, Gender, and Society, and then GST 333: Gender Theory (prerequisite: GST 201). You must earn a minimum grade of C in each course taken towards the minor. You may access our course lists in online registration by typing in “G ST.”

Who Teaches Gender Studies Courses?

Our cross-listed classes are taught by our cutting-edge faculty, representing fifteen departments, who are affiliated with Gender Studies. Our GST courses are taught by the Director and occasionally, affiliates. See this web site under “People” for a list of affiliates.

What If I Want To Count A Special Topics Course Offered In Another Department Toward The Minor?

Because Special Topics classes offered in other departments rotate themes every semester, they cannot be cross-listed permanently with Gender Studies. However, if you want to count toward your minor a Special Topics class focusing on women and gender, you may seek approval of it for your minor from the Isom Advisory Committee. E-mail the course description, name of the teacher, and the number of credit hours to the Director. The Director will then consult the Isom Advisory Committee, which will approve (or not) the course for the minor. A class approved for one student will be approved for all minors. When you prepare to graduate, the Director will send a memo to your Dean’s office, explaining that this class fulfilled your minor.

What is A Directed Study, Gst 499?

This is an independent study on a topic of your choice with a faculty member who has expertise in the area.   This is an excellent option for advanced students. First, consult the Director about possible topics for your independent study and about possible faculty members who could direct it. Then, meet with the faculty member to agree on your enrollment in GST 499 and register for it. You will set meetings with your director, complete a reading list, and turn in a research paper or project at the end of the semester.

What is The Difference Between ‘Women’s Studies’ and ‘Gender Studies’?

Gender Studies has emerged out of the field of women’s studies, which was established in the early 1970’s with the revitalization of the women’s movement.   “Gender Studies” examines women’s identities, roles, and statuses with an accompanying awareness of how “manhood” is defined in different cultures or contexts. To different degrees, our courses reflect these emphases, depending on the interests and expertise of the faculty who teach them. Our studies include recognition of how gender intersects with other social categories, like class, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, age, and ability.

What Can I Do With A Gender Studies Minor?

First, a gender studies minor gives you the benefit of a broad liberal education, including the ability to think critically and write well and to integrate knowledge from different disciplines. Second, most employees in today’s multicultural and international community seek graduates who are sensitive to issues of difference, including those in gender, class, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and ability. Third, gender studies minors have gotten jobs in nonprofit agencies, government, teaching, and social service. Fourth, gender studies minors are well prepared for further studies in law, public policy, medicine, the social sciences and the humanities. Finally, most minors cite personal growth as a major reason they choose gender studies.

How Do I Verify My Minor Completion Before Graduation?

When you apply for your degree in your College, you will list the courses you completed for the minor as well as your major. Your Degree Application Form requires signatures from your advisor and department chair in your major before you submit it to your Dean. We recommend that you or your advisor also contact the Director of Gender Studies to confirm your completion of the minor requirements. The minor will be designated on your transcript, but not your degree.

How Do I Meet Other Gender Studies Minors?

You will form friendships with other minors in your classes. Meet students, faculty, and associates at the many programs and lectures sponsored by the Sarah Isom Center. Our students are active in a variety of organizations, including The Feminst Majority, the Gay-Straight Alliance, Respect Mississippi, Amnesty International, Roots and Shoots, and sororities and fraternities. See “People” on our website for contact information for some of these.