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Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies at W&M
Combining academics and experiential learning, gender, sexuality & women's studies (GSWS) students critically examine and challenge structural inequalities around gender and sexuality, in interaction with race, class, ethnicity and ability. On the academic side, you are acquainted with current scholarship on women, feminist, trans, queer and sexuality studies. On the experiential side, you have opportunities to engage in activism and are encouraged to undertake your own research projects. You will question norms, work with peers to create community action projects and gain insight into identities in and through a web of relations to others, both globally and locally.
Program Highlights
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Interdisciplinary Approach
Take courses that complement other fields. Students regularly complete a second major or a minor to broaden their studies.
Challenge Inequities
Participate in various campus initiatives to look at transnational and local issues through diversity awareness and community engagement.
Student Awards
Join groups and campus organizations who are recognized annually for feminist activist work and a commitment to the ideals of the GSWS program.
Paths of Study
- Bachelor of Arts
- Minor
Applied Learning
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Courses
Study Gender in Society (GSWS 304), Women in Antiquity (GSWS 315), Gender and Digital Culture (GSWS 349) and Feminist Theory (GSWS 405).*
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Research
Complete independent research or collaborate with faculty on projects including the LGBTIQ Project and the Stephens Project.
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Student Organizations
Join student groups such as Vox, E.S.S.E.N.C.E., Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), Winged Nation and Lambda Alliance and learn how they help the community.
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Lavender House
The Lavender House is a co-curricular, co-residential community for students who want to learn about LGBTQ+ history and culture through an interdisciplinary academic lens and identify as LGBTQ+ or are allies of the community.
Upcoming Events
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Student Resources
Discover more about our degrees, research resources, awards and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Rankings
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Top 10Best Public Schools for Making an ImpactThe Princeton Review 2024
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Top 20Most Politically Active StudentsThe Princeton Review 2025
Outcomes
Recent graduates have pursued careers in law, government, social work, environmental activism, education, medicine, counseling and journalism as well as graduate programs in queer and feminist studies, literature, performance studies and media and film.
Alumni & Friends
We're always eager to hear from our alumni! Please use our online update form to send us your news.
Support Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies
Please consider supporting the Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies Program to help our faculty members provide the best learning experience to our students. Your support allows us to offer student awards, internship funding, research colloquia and more.
Contact the Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies Program
Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies
Social Media
Mailing Address
GSWS Program Â鶹Æƽâ°æ P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact Us
- Phone: 757-221-2457
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.