Bachelor in WOMEN’S STUDIES

The Women’s Studies Program—open to all students—teaches students to think critically about the multiple systems of power through which sexual and gendered identities are constructed and to engage with real-life political and ethical issues from diverse perspectives. The program offers courses that examine the lives and experiences of women in a variety of historical, cultural, and political contexts, as well as courses that explore the intersections of feminist theory, queer theory, and activism.

Women’s studies is an exciting multidisciplinary field, bringing together faculty from many departments who share the conviction that gender and sexuality are fundamental categories of analysis in all disciplines.

Students interested in women’s studies may select from team-taught integrative courses at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as from a variety of courses cross-listed with other departments. Students who wish to declare a concentration or a correlate sequence in women’s studies work with program advisors to plan a course of study tailored to their particular interests. Students take an introductory course, courses from at least three disciplines, at least one course in feminist theory, and other courses germane to their self-designed programs. A senior thesis or project is required. Recent topics include “Global Feminisms” and “Feminist Approaches to Science and Technology.”

Founded in 1861, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country, Vassar is renowned for pioneering achievements in education, for its long history of curricular innovation, and for the beauty of its campus.

The mission of Vassar College is to make accessible “the means of a thorough, well-proportioned and liberal education” that inspires each individual to lead a purposeful life. The College makes possible an education that promotes analytical, informed, and independent thinking and sound judgment; encourages articulate expression; and nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, respectful debate and engaged citizenship.

Vassar supports a high standard of engagement in teaching and learning, scholarship and artistic endeavor; a broad and deep curriculum, and a residential campus that fosters a learning community. Founded in 1861 to provide women an education equal to that once available only to men, Vassar is now open to all and strives to pursue diversity, inclusion, and equity as essential components of a rich intellectual and cultural environment in which all members, including those from underrepresented and marginalized groups, are valued and empowered to thrive.