Women’s and Gender Studies, B.A.

Co-Directors
Dennis Denisoff, English
Jan Wilson, History

The program in women’s and gender studies at The University of Tulsa considers how gender and other intersecting factors, such as race, class, culture, sexuality, and age, have worked to shape the life experiences of women and men from diverse backgrounds. The program analyzes the contemporary and historical factors that underlie the current statuses of women and men from all parts of the world and explores the various means by which people have sought to achieve equality.

The program’s dual emphases on interdisciplinary and intersectionality offer students analytical frameworks and methodological tools with which to understand people’s life experiences, human interactions, and economic and social institutions. By promoting awareness and knowledge of status-based oppression; of people’s interrelationships; and of the ways in which civil rights movements throughout history have struggled for equity, the program seeks to contribute to changing attitudes and practices that tend to silence people’s voices or that work to devalue, marginalize, or subordinate women and men’s choices and life experiences. The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered in this area.

The women’s and gender studies program also offers an accelerated master’s degree  with a 4+1 program of study. Only students who plan to major in the women’s and gender studies program will be admitted into the accelerated master’s program.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

1. Develop an understanding of how genders and sexualities - including their diversity and intersectionality - impact the politics and ethics of societies and individuals (including community activists and professionals in the field).
2. Demonstrate understanding of women’s lives in a global context, including histories of feminist,women’s and sexuality movements, and the ethics behind these movements.
3. Understand feminist, gender, and sexuality theory and use such theory in analyzing texts and in communicating.
4. Demonstrate the ability to think critically, engage in constructive discussion, and write and speak clearly and effectively.
5. Attain skills and experiences of benefit to professional and volunteer positions.