Department Overview
The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the diverse experiences of women in both national and international contexts. The Department also examines the meaning of gender as a socially constructed category that shapes personal identities, beliefs, opportunities, and behaviors. The wide range of classes explores the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality; the institutional structures that have an impact on women’s and men’s lives; and the broad range of feminist theory that seeks to explain and influence women’s status in society. Among the areas of emphasis in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies are gender and sexuality, queer studies, third world feminism, cultural representation and literature, women and labor, feminist theory, critical race feminism, immigration and citizenship, and social activism.
Core and affiliated faculty in the Department come from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives including history, literature, anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental studies, ethnic studies, philosophy, religious studies, architecture and fine arts, music, romance and Germanic languages, political science, public policy, and law.
The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers students:
- Unique opportunities to participate in internships in the community and to pursue individual research projects;
- Ability to engage in participatory learning and teaching experiences in feminist pedagogy seminars and as discussion facilitators for the introductory class; and
- Close interaction with faculty, individualized guidance and advising, and courses that prepare them for employment and/or further education in graduate schools or professional schools of law, medicine, teaching, or social work.
COVID-19 Response
We know that this is a very difficult time for many of you and we are dedicated to ensuring your academic success. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors or our department at wgs@uoregon.edu for assistance. For additional information on student resources available during COVID-19 visit our Student Resources page.
The GC Zine Workshop
Participate in the Gender Collective & WGSS Dept. Feminist Lab! Join us for a Zine Workshop this Friday, April 12th, 2024 from 2-4pm in Hendricks Hall 315. Lunch will be provided!
Congratulations to WGSS Professor Yvette Saavedra for 2024 Antonia I. Castaneda Prize
Congratulations to Professor Yvette Saavedra who has been awarded the 2024 Antonia I. Castaneda Prize from the National Association of Chicana and Chicano Studies. This prestigious annual prize is granted to authors who have published scholarly works with a historical focus on the intersection of class, race, gender, and sexuality as they pertain to Chicana/Latina and/or Native/Indigenous women.
Additionally, on April 22, 2024, Dr. Saavedra will participate in a panel discussion related to the initiative by the Smithsonian and the University of Michigan titled “The First 100: Chicanas
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State of the Field: Dr. Patti Duncan
Dr. Patti Duncan, Oregon State University Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 2-3:30 PM Reception to Follow Gerlinger Alumni Lounge 1468 University St., Eugene Please join us for a conversation about the past, present, and futures of the field of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Dr. Patti Duncan, editor of Feminist Formations and professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities at Oregon State University, will address how feminist knowledge and praxis have enabled diverse communities in the U.S. and around the world to create solidarity, empowerment, and more livable futures where ...
