Faculty Office Building (Bldg. 47), Room 25H
Phone: 805.756.1525
Email: wgqs@calpoly.edu
https://wgqs.calpoly.edu/
Department Chair: Elizabeth Adan
Academic Program
Program name | Program type |
---|---|
Queer Studies | Minor |
Women's and Gender Studies | Minor |
Undergraduate Programs
Queer Studies Minor
The Queer Studies (QS) minor provides students with opportunities to explore how sexuality is central to human societies. The Queer Studies minor promotes intersectional, interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry, education and activism that emphasizes how constructions, experiences and expressions of sexuality (including the invention of homo/heterosexuality and ab/normality, intimacy, kinship networks and embodiment) change over time and are lived in relation to interlocking systems of race, ethnicity, religion, class, nation, age, dis/ability and gender. Students completing the minor will develop the intellectual and practical skills necessary to contribute to scholarship, activism, creative production and innovation in the interdisciplinary field of Queer Studies and to serve as leaders in the creation, enactment and evaluation of efforts to create a more inclusive, just and equitable world.
Program Learning Objectives:
- Students will develop skills in critical thinking, creativity, lifelong learning and communication (including oral, written and visual) to multiple audiences.
- Students will demonstrate substantial knowledge of foundational and contemporary research in the interdisciplinary field of Queer Studies, and substantial knowledge of the Queer Studies theoretical literature.
- Students will gain an understanding of how the interdisciplinary field of Queer Studies creates new knowledge and draws upon and utilizes perspectives from multiple fields across the humanities, arts and social sciences.
- Students will understand the ways in which constructions, experiences and expressions of sexuality shape and are shaped by social, political, ethical, institutional, economic, legal, cultural, scientific and technological factors in the past and present, with special attention paid to interlocking systems of race, ethnicity, religion, class, nation, age, dis/ability and gender in local, national and transnational contexts.
- Students will understand the ways in which the dynamics of heterosexism and heteronormativity shape and are shaped by social, political, ethical, institutional, economic, legal, cultural, scientific and technological factors in the past and present, with special attention paid to interlocking systems of race, ethnicity, religion, class, nation, age, dis/ability and gender in local, national and transnational contexts.
- Students will employ key concepts in Queer Studies to contribute to scholarship, creative production and innovation.
- Students will develop the intellectual and practical skills necessary to engage with issues of social justice and serve as leaders in the creation, enactment, and evaluation of efforts to create a more inclusive, just and equitable world.
Minor Requirements
Women's and Gender Studies Minor
The Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) minor promotes scholarly inquiry, education, and activism that utilizes an integrative approach, exploring the intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, dis/abilities, citizenship status, and other social categories within local, regional, national, and transnational contexts. Areas of exploration include gender identities, social movements, reproductive justice, labor, media representations, and technologies, among other topics, considered via active student learning and emphasizing critical understandings of how genders and sexualities shape and are shaped by social, political, ethical, economic, legal, and cultural institutions, both historically and into the present day. The WGS minor thus empowers students to question and contribute to knowledge creation, community formation, activism, creative practice, and policymaking from interdisciplinary feminist perspectives.
Program Learning Objectives:
- Students will develop skills in critical thinking, writing, and oral communication.
- Students will demonstrate substantial knowledge of foundational and contemporary research and theoretical literature in the field of Women’s & Gender Studies.
- Students will gain an understanding of how the interdisciplinary field of Women’s and Gender Studies creates new knowledge and draws upon and utilizes the perspective of multiple fields, such as the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences.
- Students will understand the ways in which genders and sexualities shape and are shaped by social, political, ethical, economic, legal, cultural, scientific and technological factors and institutions in historical and contemporary contexts, with special attention paid to the intersections of gender, race, and class, and sexuality in national and transnational contexts.
- Students will employ key concepts in Women’s & Gender Studies scholarship to conduct independent research and analyses on a variety of topics.
- Students will develop skills that allow them to identify and engage with issues of social justice.
Minor Requirements
WGQS Courses
WGQS 145. Reasoning, Argumentation, and Writing on Gender and Sexuality. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F,W,SP,SU
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area A3
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Recommended: Completion of GE Area A1 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
Principles of reasoning in argumentation; examination of rhetorical principles and responsible rhetorical behavior; application of these principles to written and oral communication; and effective use of research methods and sources, all in relation to WGQS topics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area A3 with a grade of C- or better. Formerly WGS 145.
WGQS 201. Gender and Sexuality in US Society and Politics. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F,W,SP,SU
2020-21 or later: GE Area D1
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D1
USCP
Survey and exploration, via intersectional frameworks, of the ways that gender and sexuality have impacted, and been impacted by, US society and politics, from the formation of the US as a settler colonial nation-state into the present day. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS 204/WGS 201. Fulfills GE Area D1 and USCP.
WGQS 210. Gender and Sexuality in Visual and Popular Culture. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area C1
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C3
Survey and exploration of key developments in visual and popular culture, considered through the lenses of intersectional approaches to gender and sexuality, and examined across multiple mediums and practices including: visual art, film, television, performance, mass media and material culture. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/WGQS 210. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Formerly WGS 210.
WGQS 270. Selected Topics. 1-4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Open to undergraduate students and consent of instructor.
Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Formerly WGS 270.
WGQS 301. Contemporary Issues in Women's and Gender Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and two lower-division courses in GE Area D. Recommended: WGQS 201 (GE Area D1).
Exploration of contemporary issues in local, national, and comparative transnational contexts as addressed within the interdisciplinary field of Women's & Gender Studies, with an emphasis on the complex intersections of gender and sexuality with race, class, and other social factors. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP. Formerly WGS 301.
WGQS 302. Contemporary Issues in Queer Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Exploration of contemporary issues as addressed within the interdisciplinary field of Queer Studies, with an emphasis on the relationships between constructions, experiences and expressions of sexuality and interlocking systems of race, ethnicity, religion, class, nation, age, dis/ability and gender in local, national, and transnational contexts. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP. Formerly WGS 302.
WGQS 305. Feminist Methodologies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One course in Women's & Gender Studies; and junior standing.
Examination of feminist critiques of established methodologies in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences disciplines and exploration and use of feminist methodologies developed both across disciplines and within Women's & Gender Studies. 4 seminars. Formerly WGS 305.
WGQS 311. Sociology of Genders and Sexualities. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Analysis of social constructions of sex, genders, and sexualities. Explores how gender stereotypes are created and reproduced. Focus on media representations; intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality; and effects on individuals and structures of work, education, family, and abusive relationships. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as SOC/WGQS 311. Formerly WGS 311.
WGQS 320. Women, Gender and Sexuality in Global Perspective. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Examination of women's lives, genders and sexualities in relation to intersecting systems of class, race/ethnicity, religion and nation in comparative cross-cultural contexts. Includes study of global and transnational feminisms, reproductive rights, women's labor, women in development, women's politics. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Formerly WGS 320.
WGQS 324. Psychology of Gender. 4 units
Investigation of psychological genders and sexualities beyond ideas associated with biological sex. Exploration of sex/gender/sexuality differences from a social psychological (e.g., socialization) perspective. Implications of gender roles (including masculinity, femininity, non-binary) and sexual identities for relationships and health. Course may be offered in a classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as PSY/WGQS 324. Formerly WGS 324.
WGQS 325. Masculinity Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Analysis of hegemonic and counter-hegemonic masculinities through a critical, interdisciplinary, and intersectional examination of the social construction of manhood in the U.S. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Formerly WGS 325.
WGQS 330. Feminist/Queer Transnational Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Intersectional, interdisciplinary investigation of gender and sexuality in transnational contexts. Exploration of the ways that gender and sexuality shape, and are shaped by, colonialism, globalization, nation-building, development, migration, and human rights. Social justice organizing/movements around the world and transnational activism. Not open to students with credit in WGQS 320. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 seminars. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
WGQS 335. Feminist Studies of Popular Culture and Whiteness. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C.
Feminist approaches to the analysis of representations of whiteness in contemporary media, and considerations of the U.S. cultural values these images illuminate. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ISLA/WGQS 335. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Formerly WGS 335.
WGQS 336. Feminist Ethics, Gender, Sexuality and Society. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and completion of GE Area C2.
Critical examination of the relations between gender, sexuality, ethnicity, society and ethics from feminist perspectives, with special attention paid to problems in contemporary applied ethics. Joint focus on theory and application. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as PHIL/WGQS 336. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP. Formerly WGS 336.
WGQS 340. Sexuality Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Sexuality in a cultural and historical context. Changing definitions of human subjectivity. The cultural and social regimes that control and create sexuality (including the 'invention' of homo/heterosexuality and the social, legal and political systems that define sexual ab/normality). Contemporary issues of sexual orientation and topics of sexuality in relation to gender and race. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as WGQS/HNRS 340. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Formerly WGS 340.
WGQS 345. Queer Ethnic Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F,W,SP,SU
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Theories, research and methods focused on the interlocking systems of sexuality, race, racialization, and ethnicity in local, national and comparative global/transnational contexts. Relationships between racialization and heteronormativity; queer of color critique; queer migration; decolonizing queer organizing, theory, and knowledge production. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ES/WGQS 345. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP. Formerly WGS 345.
WGQS 350. Gender, Race, Culture, Science & Technology. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F,W,SP,SU
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area B
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area B5, B6, or B7
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; completion of GE Area B2; and one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Recommended: STAT 130, 217, 218, 251, 301, 312, or 321.
Examines the complex relationships between gender, race, culture, science, and technology via intersectional quantitative and qualitative inquiry, centering the perspectives/contributions of historically marginalized people in the U.S. Explores, evaluates, and develops proposals to create more diverse, equitable, ethical, humane science/technology. Course may be offered in classroom-base, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as ES 350/HNRS 353/WGQS 350. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog); and USCP. Formerly WGS 350.
WGQS 351. Gender, Race, Class, Nation in Global Engineering, Technology & International Development. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Cross-cultural exploration of the intersections of gender, race, class, nation in the global engineering workforce, small- and large-scale technological systems, and international development programs; special attention to 21st century challenges and efforts to create more socially responsible engineering and technology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ES/WGQS 351. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Formerly WGS 351.
WGQS 370. Religion, Gender, and Society. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F,W,SP,SU
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and completion of GE Area C2.
Critical examination of religious ideas and institutions in the United States. Focus on interlocking systems of sex, gender, race, class and religion; individual and group experiences at the intersection of religion, politics and culture. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as RELS/WGQS 370. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP. Formerly WGS 370.
WGQS 375. Intersectional Feminist Art Histories. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and one of the following: ART 112, ART 212, ART 213, or WGQS 201.
Intersectional feminist exploration of the role of women, gender, and sexuality in the visual arts and art history. In-depth focus on intersectional feminisms as they impact the study of the visual arts and art history. Not open to students with credit in ART 316. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ART/WGQS 375. Fulfills USCP. Formerly WGS 375.
WGQS 400. Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates. 1-4 units
Term Typically Offered: F,W,SP,SU
Prerequisite: WGQS 201 or consent of Women's and Gender Studies Chair.
Individual investigation, research studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Formerly WGS 400.
WGQS 401. Seminar in Women's and Gender Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One course in Women's & Gender Studies. Recommended: Junior standing.
Intensive study of a selected topic in Women's and Gender Studies (such as gender and work, gender and the law, sexuality and the arts). The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Field experience may be required as appropriate. May be repeated for up to 8 units. 3 seminars and a supervised research project. Formerly WGS 401.
WGQS 417. Feminist Legal Theory. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.
Different approaches to US feminist legal theory and topics in gender and US law. Topics covered include employment, domestic violence, sexual harassment, reproductive justice, sex work, rape, and welfare reform. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as POLS/WGQS 417. Formerly WGS 417.
WGQS 421. The History of Prostitution. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: HIST 303 or one upper-division course in GE Area D or graduate standing.
Comparative history of prostitution from antiquity to present. Analysis of prostitution from social, cultural, political, gendered and economic perspectives. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as HIST/WGQS 421. Formerly WGS 421.
WGQS 423. Gender and Work. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
USCP
Sustainability Focused
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better.
Extent, causes, and intersectional nature of workplace gender inequality. Strategies aimed at creating more egalitarian organizations. Topics include job segregation, tokenism, sexual harassment, work/family balance, gendered jobs, inequality regimes, personnel policies, workplace democracy, and social/labor movement activism. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as SOC/WGQS 423. Fulfills USCP. Formerly WGS 423.
WGQS 434. American Women's History to 1870. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: HIST 303 or one upper-division course in GE Area D or graduate standing.
Female ideology and experience from the colonial period through the American Civil War. Use of a variety of sources, including women's own writing, in order to understand the history of women as it both reflects and shapes American culture and society. 3 lectures and research project. Crosslisted as HIST/WGQS 434. Formerly WGS 434.
WGQS 435. American Women's History from 1870. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
USCP
Prerequisite: HIST 303 or one upper-division course in GE Area D or graduate standing.
The female past in the modern period of U.S. history. Considers how transformations in gender roles are reflective of other significant changes in American culture and society. Emphasis on class, race, and ethnic variations in women's experience. 3 lectures and research project. Crosslisted as HIST/WGQS 435. Fulfills USCP. Formerly WGS 435.
WGQS 450. Feminist Theory. 4 units
Advanced critical examination of the history and evolution of ideas in feminist theory. Focus on genders and sexualities in relation to race/ethnicity, religion, class, nation, age, dis/ability, with special attention to relationships between theory and praxis/application. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills USCP. Formerly WGS 450.
WGQS 455. Queer Theory. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: One course in Women's & Gender Studies; and junior standing.
Philosophical foundations, intellectual history, and current directions of queer theory, understood as the critical study of sexuality. Intersections among sexuality and other material and discursive systems, including race, ethnicity, class, dis/ability, and nationality. 4 seminars. Formerly WGS 455.
WGQS 457. U.S. Reproductive Politics. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.
Multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the law and politics of reproduction in the United States. Topics studied include histories of reproductive regulation, abortion law and politics, technology and fertility, and social policy and reproductive control. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as POLS/WGQS 457. Formerly WGS 457.
WGQS 458. Gender and Sexuality in Modern Europe. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: HIST 303 or one upper-division course in GE Area D or graduate standing.
Social, economic, political, and cultural effects of changing gender systems in modern Europe, particularly but not exclusively with regard to sex and sexuality. 3 lectures and research project. Crosslisted as HIST/WGQS 458. Formerly WGS 458.
WGQS 467. Women's and Gender Studies / Queer Studies Internship. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F,W,SP,SU
CR/NC
Prerequisite: WGQS 201 and consent of WGS/QS Internship Director.
Supervised work experience in approved agency. Intern subject to of the duties/responsibilities of employees engaged in comparable work. Focus on genders, sexualities, independent utilization of WGS/QS concepts. 30 hours of internship experience per unit of credit. Minimum of 4 units (120 hours). Total credit limited to 8 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly WGS 467.
WGQS 470. Selected Advanced Topics. 1-4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Formerly WGS 470.
Elizabeth Adan
B.A., University of California, Davis, 1993; M.F.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, 1997; M.A., University of California, Berkeley, 2000; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2006.
Alexia Arani
B.A., Guilford College, 2013; M.A., University of California, San Diego, 2016; Ph.D., 2022.
Jane L. Lehr
B.A., University of Rochester, 1997; M.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2002; Ph.D., 2006.