Gender and Sexuality Studies

Gender and Sexuality Studies seeks to advance understanding of the meaning and role of gender in social life. Doing so requires looking at gender against the backdrop of cultural, political, historical and social institutions and in relation to other influences such as class, race, sexuality, and nationality. As such, Gender and Sexuality Studies is inherently interdisciplinary.

The Gender and Sexuality Studies minor at the University of Southern Indiana explores the fascinating and complex connections between sex, gender, human sexuality, and sexual orientation across multiple disciplines, including history, economics, criminal justice, sociology, English, philosophy, communication studies, management, and psychology. Coursework provides students with a wide range of perspectives that greatly enrich their education.

Gender is one of the most fundamental facts of existence, and courses in this minor serves to enhance students' understanding of its deep significance. The Gender and Sexuality Studies minor is an excellent complement to any major.

The Gender and Sexuality Studies minor prepares students for graduate studies in virtually any liberal arts field, particularly sociology, psychology, philosophy, history, English, communication studies, and social work, and for any career in which a more fully realized understanding of human complexity is valued.

Program Objectives

• Increase student understanding of the biological, psychological, cultural, and social dimensions of sex and gender.
• Provide an arena of critical scholarly thought on issues of gender and sexuality.
• Allow for the exploration of relevant gender issues such as gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, and the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, and ability.