Women's Studies
Why choose Women's Studies?
Women’s Studies examines the role of women in society, drawing on historical and contemporary perspectives.
Classes in our program discuss topics related to women’s lives and social movements, gender, race, class, sexual orientation, colonization, culture, politics, activism and more.
Established in 1978 by the Simone de Beauvoir Institute, the women’s studies program is the oldest in Canada. Our curriculum introduces students to diverse feminist approaches to oppression and resistance, including critical race, decolonial, intersectional, postcolonial, transnational and other frameworks. Our program sheds light on the experiences of marginalized people and equips students with the skills to engage in making change.
As a student, you’ll also find experiential learning opportunities, invitations to participate in Institute-sponsored lectures and events and develop initiatives that promote equality and social justice for all.
Prospective students
Why choose Women's Studies?
Women’s Studies examines 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.
Degree options
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.
BA Major or Specialization
Students who elect to do a major make a commitment to women's studies as their main field of inquiry. A major in women's studies appeals to students who are passionate about feminism and who would like to devote themselves to studying its history, theory and political action.
A BA Specialization is the best option if you are interested in going on to graduate studies. A BA Specialization requires students to research and write a thesis. This project helps prepare students for advanced academic study.
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 Undergraduate Program Director by submitting 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.
42 credits (major)
60 credits (specialization)
Minor
Combined with a major in another field, a Minor in Women's Studies offers students new and critical ways to think about knowledge. In the past, students majoring in History, English, Communications, or Studio Arts have pursued a Minor in Women's Studies.
30 credits
Certificate
The Certificate in Women's Studies is intended for individuals who would like to pursue Women's Studies in greater depth. Certificate students are individuals who meet the undergraduate admission requirements and who would like to pursue Women's Studies in greater depth.
30 credits
Undergraduate Calendar and Program Guides
Undergraduate Calendar
Program Guides
Select the program guide corresponding to the first semester you enrolled in the major or minor program.
Course curriculum
Sample courses
- Ending Sexual Violence
- Feminist Perspectives on Human Rights
- Feminist Thought
- Health Issues: Feminist Perspectives
- Lesbian Issues and Realities
- Féminismes dans la francophonie
- Critical Race Feminisms
After your degree
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.
Academic advising
All newly admitted students must meet with the Academic Advisor before they can register for courses.
All students are welcome to consult with the advisor when needed. Advising is done by appointment. Advising sessions are held Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 and 11:30. For new students, the session usually takes 30 minutes.
Co-curricular life
The co-curricular life of the Institute is extremely important and all members are expected to contribute to our activities.
Exciting opportunities are available to organize workshops, colloquia and events on subjects that interest our community, to participate in the Women's and Sexuality Studies Student Association (WSSSA), as well as to collaborate with feminist organizations outside the University on research projects and other partnerships.
