About WGS

The Department of Women's & Gender 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 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 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.

Upcoming Events:

June 12, 2009

Spring Graduation

Department of Women's & Gender Studies
315 Hendricks Hall | 1298 University of Oregon | Eugene OR 97403-1298
Telephone (541) 346-5529 | Fax (541) 346-0652 | Email: wgs@uoregon.edu