Women's and gender studies places the experiences and perspectives of women at the center of analysis and also considers how gender intersects with other factors, such as race and class, to shape all of our lives. Interdisciplinary in nature, and founded upon the integration of theory and practice, critique and imagination, women's and gender studies brings approaches from other disciplines and fields into conversation with each other and with critical theories about gender and power to address and improve the lives of women and, by extension, of children and men. Inspired by both feminist and Marianist traditions, the Women's and Gender Studies Program at UD seeks to promote integration, collaboration, and personal engagement in learning; the development and dissemination of critical thinking for social justice; the appreciation and protection of human dignity and diversity; and leadership through responsibility and service to community. 

Students majoring in women's and gender studies must complete thirty-four to thirty-nine semester hours, including at least ten semester hours in the four core WST courses and twenty-four semester hours of upper-division courses offered by other departments.  For these additional twenty-four semester hours, students must complete nine semester hours in one area of concentration, six semester hours in two additional areas, and three semester hours in a fourth area. 

The major also requires at least three semester hours in approved courses with a global and/or multicultural perspective.  These hours may be from a course or courses also used to fulfill the area requirements.

Courses taken for the major may also count toward completion of the Liberal Studies Curriculum. 

Students minoring in women's and gender studies must complete at least fifteen semester hours, including WST 150 and twelve hours in approved upper-division courses (300-level or above) from at least three different disciplines.   

Women's and Gender Studies Committee

Sheila Hassell Hughes (English), Director
Burnell (Counseling), Carlson (History), DesAutels (Philosophy), Fleischmann (History), Hume (History), P. Johnson (Philosophy), Leming (Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work), Martin (Religious Studies), Merithew (History), F. Pestello (Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work), Potter (English), Rismiller (Women's Center), Watters (Communication), Webb (Roesch Library), Whisnant (Philosophy)