Women's Studies (BA, Cert)

Women’s Studies is about examining the role of women in society both today and in the past, and recognizing their contributions to human achievement. You’ll learn to see women’s experiences through the lens of gender, race, class and sexual orientation. Study and research in Women's Studies adds an otherwise missing component to traditional scholarship. Women's Studies is also a way of moving away from the discriminatory language of race, sex, age, language or religion.

Offered through the Simone de Beauvoir Institute, the program is the oldest women’s studies program in Canada, and boasts a curriculum that explores historical and contemporary aspects of women’s oppression and resistance, including the experiences of marginalized women. You’ll also examine media representations of women and consumer culture, participate in Institute-sponsored lectures and develop initiatives that promote equality and social justice for all.

A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

• Certificate in Women’s Studies (30 credits)
• Major in Women’s Studies (42 credits)
• Minor in Women’s Studies (30 credits)
• Specialization in Women’s Studies (60 credits)*

*To be admitted to the specialization, students must have completed a minimum of 24 credits in the Women’s Studies Major and obtain approval from the Principal following the submission of a letter of intent. In addition, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be accepted and must maintain an assessment GPA of 3.0 while in the specialization.

Courses

After graduation, you will leave with the knowledge and critical skills for a career in the social sciences, law, international development, community organizations or be prepared for graduate studies.