When students first arrive at college, many think they already know what they want to major in. Some students rush to pursue their dreams in music or art, while others are looking for more lucrative majors like computer science or organizational studies. But believe it or not, majors in the humanities can be just as exciting and intense as more traditional majors. As you weigh your options, why not consider Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies?
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Why Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies?
For many students, WGS helps fill holes in their major’s curriculums regarding gender and sexuality. Whether you’re interested in history, political science, or English, a WGS major can allow you to more thoroughly study and research topics that may not be extensively explored in other disciplines. Our department offers engrossing courses in both queer and feminist theory, which are also great compliments to our philosophy, political science, and English departments. As an English major at Gettysburg College, I chose to double major in WGS because it allowed me to read more queer and female authors that I couldn’t intensely study in the English department.
Double majoring in WGS and another subject can give you a unique perspective that will assist you in your professional career. Whether you’re a pre-med student who plans to be an OB/GYN or a political science major who wishes to protect women’s rights, WGS gives representation where other disciplines may be lacking.
The Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program at Gettysburg College (WGS for short) offers a plethora of interesting and unique courses that span a large range of disciplines. All students start by taking an introductory course that goes over the basics of feminist and queer theory and history, and then students can choose dozens of courses in the majors. The WGS department features courses such as: Global Feminisms, Native American Women, Feminism and Pornography, and Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Greece. They also offer many courses that are cross-listed with other departments, such as Gender in Modern Japan, James Baldwin’s Fiction and Essays, and Latin American Women Writers.
Students who choose to become WGS majors at Gettysburg have to take a theory course and a practicum. Perhaps the most enjoyable opportunity that WGS majors are given is their practicum course, where students get to work with a community organization of their choosing over the course of a semester and make a lasting impact. Through the practicum, students gain experience in organizations such as women’s shelters, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children social program), and gleaning projects. This experience is valuable public service work and perfect for preparing students who plan on entering the nonprofit sector.
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What Can I Do With A WGS Degree?
Students who major in WGS have a wide array of career possibilities once they graduate. WGS majors can become social workers, activists, professors, journalists, political consultants, among many other options. Also, double majoring in WGS can lead to winning combinations that give students a competitive edge in the job market. Overall, students in the WGS have a wide array of choices when applying to graduate school and future careers. WGS majors can do anything!
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Join the WGS Community!
The WGS community is an incredibly tight one, and since we’re so small, all of our majors know each other. Because of this, we’re able to have small methods and seminar classes where all of the students assist each other in research and are able to discuss each other’s topics in the class. Even in introductory classes, WGS students have an intense bond. If you’ve never taken a WGS class, you should considering taking our introductory course, which is largely discussion-based and about sharing and understanding different life experiences. Our department is incredibly intersectional, and WGS classes are a great way to see the world through a different lens.
Overall, don’t discount WGS when you’re considering what to major in as an undergrad. WGS majors are versatile and compliment almost any other major. We’re sure to have classes that will change your world perspective and give you a great community for discussion!