Women's and Gender Studies

Mission

The UNO Women’s and Gender Studies Program offers individuals and communities paths to transformation and empowerment through the collaborative work of students and faculty, who together study and explore all women’s lives and all constructions of gender across time, place, and culture, using a feminist lens. Our interdisciplinary faculty teach a curriculum that emphasizes the intersections of gender and sexuality across time, place, and culture, using a feminist and/or queer lens.

We envision a world in which differences offer paths to meaningful and fulfilling contributions. Thus, our interdisciplinary faculty teach a curriculum that emphasizes the intersections of gender and sexuality with race/ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic class, ability levels, and additional dimensions of difference.

Our program employs the tools of different disciplines, including communication, arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and history. Graduating students are prepared for many opportunities beyond graduation.

Description

Women’s and Gender Studies is a liberal arts degree that prepares students for a wide variety of career and avocational paths. Majors or minors find employment in a variety of areas, choosing to work in advocacy or social services-related positions, community development, large and small business, and government. 

Other Information

All coursework taken for the Women’s and Gender Studies major or minor must be completed with a grade of “C-“ or better.

All coursework taken for the LGBTQ-Sexuality Studies minor must be completed with a grade of “C“ or better.

Please be advised that students who elect to complete both the WGST minor and LGBTQ-Sexuality Studies minor may count no more than two upper-division courses toward the completion of both minors.

Special Requirements

Courses presented for credit toward the minor or major must have been taught by a member of the Women's and Gender Studies faculty. Students should select WGST electives in consultation with their major adviser. 

Residency

Students may transfer in no more than 9 credits earned at other institutions to the WGS minor and no more than 15 credits earned at other institutions to the WGS major.

Student Groups

Iota Iota Iota (Triota) is a club and honorary society that recognizes excellence in Women's and Gender Studies. Membership is available to any student who has completed two introductory courses in Women's and Gender Studies and has a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, students majoring or minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies can be involved with campus organizations such as the Women’s and Gender Equity Resource Center, and the Queer and Trans Services. 

Contact

Women’s and Gender Studies Program Director 402.554.4841
339 Arts and Sciences Hall (ASH)

Website

Degree Offered

Writing in the Discipline

All students are required to take a third writing course (Writing in the Discipline) as a part of their degree. The third writing course for the Women's and Gender Studies major may be met with ENGL 2400, ENGL 3050, or another approved third writing course.

Women, gender, and sexuality studies majors may find employment in a variety of areas depending on their skills and experience. Some of our majors pursue post-baccalaureate training in medicine, law, education, and other graduate programs. Others choose employment directly after graduation, following career paths in advocacy or social services-related positions, community development, business, and government. Some career-path examples include:

Business
  • Human Resources Manager
  • ​Financial Planner
  • Business Manager
  • Office Manager
  • Convention/Event Planner
Education
  • K-12 School Teacher (with additional certification)
  • ​Childcare Center Lead Teacher
Health
  • ​​Community Health Outreach Worker
  • ​Community Health Advocate
  • Public Health Coordinator
  • Health Services Project Administrator
Law
  • Victim Assistance Case Manager
  • Mediator
Media/Publications
  • Magazine Freelance Writer/Researcher
  • ​Independent Film Maker/Producer
  • Editor
  • Social Media Specialist
  • Film Publicist
  • Production Artist
Social and Public Service
  • Counseling Services Director
  • ​Training Coordinator
  • Rape Crisis Center/Community Education Coordinator
  • Women's Crisis Support Center Community Educator
  • Girl Scouts of America Program Officer
  • Food Bank Program Manager
  • ​Community Service Agency Case Manager
  • Community Service Resource Navigator
  • Grant Writer

WGST 1950  BLACK WOMEN IN AMERICA (3 credits)

This course will examine how Black women in America have evolved politically, economically, and socially under oppressive conditions of slavery, the Reconstruction Era, Jim Crow, and through the Civil Rights, Black Lives Matter, and "Me Too" Movements. The underlying themes of this course are the impact of gender and race on Black women, with an emphasis of how gender and race are fueled by white supremacy, patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism, and imperialism. (Cross-listed with BLST 1950)

Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course

WGST 2000  SPECIAL TOPICS: GENDER AND SEXUALITY IN ENGLISH STUDIES (3 credits)

A variety of topics primarily for the non-major. (For example, this course might study the image of businesswomen in American literature.) One or two such topics may be offered each term, depending upon student interest and available faculty. Students should consult each term's class schedule in order to determine the specific topics for that term.

Prerequisite(s): None. ENGL 1160 recommended

WGST 2010  INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES: SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE (3 credits)

A survey course which explores social science perspectives on women, men, and gender, including the biological contribution to human behavior and the impact of science as an institution. Examines challenges to traditional definitions of women's place and movements for change. Includes historical and multicultural materials.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1150 is recommended.

Distribution: Social Science General Education course and U.S. Diversity General Education course

WGST 2020  INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES: HUMANITIES (3 credits)

An introduction to women's and gender studies in the humanities (literature, art, dance, music, theatre, philosophy). Explores both historical and contemporary images of women in these fields; discusses the context in which these images developed. Introduces the basic concepts and terminology of women's and gender studies.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1150 is recommended.

Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course and U.S. Diversity General Education course

WGST 3000  SPECIAL TOPICS: GENDER AND SEXUALITY IN ENGLISH STUDIES (3 credits)

A study of designated specific topics related to gender and sexuality studies within the disciplines of English (May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is not the same.)

Prerequisite(s): Variable according to topic.

WGST 3020  PERSPECTIVES ON LEADERSHIP (3 credits)

This course studies scholarship on and the practices of gender and leadership for undergraduate students. It is a service-learning course.

Prerequisite(s): WGST 2010 or WGST 2020

WGST 3080  HEALTH CONCEPTS OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT (3 credits)

An examination of factors influencing sexual development. Emphasis is given to topics pertinent to healthful living in today's culturally diverse, global society. (Cross-listed with PHHB 3080).

WGST 3100  LGBT POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the political struggle for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) equal rights in the United States using a model of political empowerment, which may be applied for all minority or identity groups and social movements, generating operationalized measures of progress toward the loci of political power. (Cross-listed with PSCI 8105, PSCI 3100, WGST 8105)

Prerequisite(s): PSCI 1100 is recommended.

Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course

WGST 3120  WOMEN AND THE BIBLE (3 credits)

This course explores the characterization of women in Hebrew and Christian scriptures as well as what we can learn about the lives of women in the ancient world from these and other sources. Attention is also given to the reception and use of these texts in later historical periods including contemporary religious contexts. (Cross-listed with RELI 3130).

WGST 3130  WOMEN AND POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to women's political participation, including holding elective office, socialization, the feminist movement and its opposition, and public policies with particular impact on women. The focus is on contemporary perspectives on women in American political ideas and behavior. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3130, PSCI 8135, WGST 8135)

Prerequisite(s): PSCI 1100 is recommended.

Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course

WGST 3160  QUEER AMERICAN WESTS (3 credits)

A survey of queer literatures about the American West. The course will explore a variety of genres, including poetry, short stories, plays, novels, creative nonfiction, and, depending on time, film/television. "Queer" will be construed as including any "non-normative" sexualities and sexual identities (e.g., genderqueer, winkte, two-spirit, 3rd/4th gender). Non-western writers (e.g., Walt Whitman) imagining the West queerly may also be included. (Cross-listed with ENGL 4280, ENGL 8286).

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1160; completion of writing in the major course recommended.

WGST 3180  GENDER IDENTITY IN PERSONAL WRITING (3 credits)

Students will read a variety of memoirs and personal essays by both emerging and established LGBTQIA-plus creative nonfiction writers and allies, with a focus on trans writers; analyze the craft choices each author makes; analyze textual and theoretical explorations of gender identity and gender performativity; and explore their gender identities, and gender experiences in the essays that they compose. (Cross-listed with ENGL 3180).

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1150 and ENGL 1160 or equivalents required.

WGST 3230  GENDER AND GLOBAL POLITICS (3 credits)

This seminar introduces students to gender politics in comparative and international politics. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3230, PSCI 8235, WGST 8235)

Prerequisite(s): PSCI 2500 is recommended.

Distribution: Global Diversity General Education course

WGST 3390  WOMEN, CRIME AND JUSTICE (3 credits)

This course focuses on women's experiences in the criminal justice system. The course will examine women's experiences as victims of crime, as offenders, as prisoners, and as criminal justice professionals. (Cross-listed with CRCJ 3390)

Prerequisite(s): WGST major; CRCJ or WGST minor; CRCJ 1010, ENGL 1160 and 45 credit hours; or instructor permission.

Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course

WGST 3490  GENDER AND PHILOSOPHY (3 credits)

This course examines philosophical arguments concerning gender and sexual difference, gender issues and women in the history of philosophy, and major views in feminist theory. Using arguments derived from feminist theory, we will undertake a critical inquiry into the ways in such gender, geography, and power inform political institutions and, in particular, medical research and health disparities. Taking the perspective of women's lives from across the globe through case studies, we will interrogate feminist theory in relation to non-US perspectives on gender and sexuality. (Cross-listed with PHIL 3490).

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore status OR 6 hours of PHIL OR 6 hours of WGST.

Distribution: Global Diversity General Education course

WGST 3750  GENDER AND COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

This course provides a survey of literature on communication about, by, and between women, men, and trans people in society, personal relationships, and organizations. Students develop an understanding of how cultural meanings of gender both shape and are shaped by communication. (Cross-listed with CMST 3750).

Prerequisite(s): Not open to non-degree graduate students.

Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course

WGST 4000  SPECIAL TOPICS: GENDER & SEXUALITY IN ENGLISH STUDIES (3 credits)

A study of designated specific topics related to gender and sexuality studies at the Senior level within the disciplines of English (May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is not the same.)

Prerequisite(s): Variable according to topic

WGST 4010  SENIOR SEMINAR (3 credits)

This course provides a capstone experience in women's, gender and sexuality studies. It serves as the third writing course, and is required, for women's and gender studies majors. It is open to seniors who have completed at least five courses in Women's and Gender Studies, including WGST 2010 and WGST 2020, with a 'C' or better; others may enroll with permission.

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing, completion of at least five women's studies courses, including WGST 2010 and WGST 2020, with a grade of 'C' or better; or permission.

WGST 4020  INTERNSHIP IN WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES (1-6 credits)

A faculty-supervised project involving part-time employment or service with a community agency, business, non-profit organization, university or other educational unit, or another appropriate organization or setting. Students will gain relevant practical experience and will integrate theory, concepts, and empirical knowledge from their classrooms with their work in the internship setting. Permission of instructor is required.

Prerequisite(s): WGST 2010 and WGST 2020, enrollment either as a WGST major or minor or as a BMS concentration in WGST, a 3.0 GPA, and permission of instructor.

WGST 4030  PERSONAL LEADERSHIP (3 credits)

In addition to a survey of leadership styles and theories, this course provides historical and contemporary perspectives of gender and leadership, barriers to women's leadership, bias, and discrimination. Individual leadership is examined within the context of being a change agent. This is a service learning course.

Prerequisite(s): WGST 2010 or WGST 2020

WGST 4050  SPECIAL TOPICS IN WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES (3 credits)

This course will give instructor and students the opportunity to investigate a variety of advanced topics in Women's Studies. The content will vary from semester to semester, according to instructor. May be repeated for credit as long as topic differs.

Prerequisite(s): WGST 2010 and WGST 2020 or permission of instructor.

WGST 4060  HISTORY OF WOMEN IN AMERICA FROM 1875 - 1922 (3 credits)

This course examines the history of women in the United States from 1875 to 1992. Topics include law, work, sexuality and reproduction, immigration, civil rights, political participation and party politics, and changes to the American gender system, including family structure and employment. (Cross-listed with HIST 4060, WGST 8066, and HIST 8066).

Prerequisite(s): Junior or permission of instructor.

WGST 4070  GENDER AND LEADERSHIP CAPSTONE: COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECT (3 credits)

This course is designed for students in the final stage of the Gender and Leadership Certificate. Activities focus on practical experience in an organization that will allow students to exercise, observe, and later share lessons with classmates about leadership qualities and skills.

Prerequisite(s): WGST 2010 or WGST 2020 and either WGST 3020 or WGST 4030

WGST 4120  BLACK WOMEN LEADERS IN LIBERATION MOVEMENTS (3 credits)

This course studies scholarship on race, gender, and leadership with a specific focus on African and African descended women's roles in liberation movements in the U.S. and worldwide. Especial focus will be on the use of their personal narratives to analyze the wide range of ideas in the conception and execution of leadership. (Cross-listed with BLST 4120)

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of instructor.

WGST 4130  GENDER & LEADING SOCIAL CHANGE (3 credits)

This course will cover theories, philosophies, movements, and concepts related to social change as a process and outcome. It is a service-learning course.

Prerequisite(s): WGST 2010 or 2020. Junior standing or permission.

WGST 4150  GEOGRAPHY, GENDER AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (3 credits)

An advanced seminar focused on links among geography, gender and work, emphasizing leadership and entrepreneurship. The course considers theory and method in addition to empirical work. The nature of space, of gender, and of work, are examined. Topics include the gendering of work, the geography of entrepreneurship, gender and leadership. (Cross-listed with ENTR 4150, ENTR 8156, GEOG 4150, GEOG 8156 and WGST 8156).

Prerequisite(s): Junior, senior, or graduate standing, or permission of instructor.

WGST 4250  WOMEN'S STUDIES IN LITERATURE (3 credits)

A critical study of literature by and/or about women in which students learn about contributions of women to literature, ask what literature reveals about the identity and roles of women in various contexts, and evaluates standard interpretations from the perspectives of current research and individual experience. (Cross-listed with ENGL 4250, ENGL 8256).

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1160 and one additional course in literature or permission.

WGST 4270  WOMEN WRITERS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WEST (3 credits)

A survey of U.S. and Canadian women writers (18th century to the present) enabling students to examine issues of gender and sexuality across a wide thematic range, including settlement, land use, cultural displacement, and survival in western territories, states, and provinces of North America. (Cross-listed with ENGL 8276, ENGL 4270).

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1150 and ENGL 1160 or equivalent; completion of ENGL 2410 or other writing in the major course recommended.

WGST 4550  HEALTH ASPECTS OF AGING (3 credits)

This course emphasizes health promotion for older adults. Special health needs of older Americans are compared and contrasted with health needs for other age groups. Prevention or delaying of chronic diseases and disorders are emphasized. (Cross-listed with PHHB 4550, PHHB 8556, GERO 4550, GERO 8556)

WGST 4910  TOPICS IN WOMEN'S HISTORY (3 credits)

A course on selected topics offered on a one-time or occasional basis. Course may be repeated as long as the topic is different each time. Cross listed with WGST 4910/WGST 8916 when topics are appropriate to Women's and Gender Studies.

Prerequisite(s): Junior

WGST 4930  SPECIAL TOPICS IN GENDER AND ART HISTORY (1-3 credits)

An illustrated lecture course dealing with a limited topic in the field of art history. The course may be coordinated with an external event such as an exhibition, publication or study trip.

Prerequisite(s): To be determined by the instructor based upon the preparation required for an adequate understanding of the material of the course. Lab fee required.