The Major & Minor
Advisers
Members of the faculty.
Major Requirements
The major requires the completion of ten semester courses, totaling 40 credit hours. These courses shall comprise SWG prefix courses and department-based courses chosen from a list of possibilities compiled yearly by the Program for the Study of Women and Gender.
- SWG 150 Introduction to the Study of Women and Gender*
- One queer studies course
- One course in women, race and culture concentration
- Three courses in one of the following six concentrations, one of which must be at the 300 level:
- Forms of literary or artistic expression {L/A}
- Historical perspectives {H}
- Forms of political/social/economic thought/action/organization {S}
- Modes of scientific inquiry {N/M}
- Queer studies
- Women, race and culture
- Four courses with the SWG prefix, one at the 300 level; any SWG-prefix course may also be used to satisfy other requirements
- Two additional 300-level courses, in area of concentration or electives in the program
*Normally taken in the first or second year, and which may not be elected S/U
Senior Statement Requirement
In the senior year, a student will complete a statement reflecting on the connections among the courses in her major, and identifying what questions have been the most important to her. The senior statement and SWG advising checklist are due to the faculty adviser by the Friday after spring break.
Special Studies
For qualified juniors and seniors. Offered both semesters each year. 1 to 4 credits. Admission by permission of the instructor and director of the program. No more than 4 special studies credits may be taken in any academic year and no more than 8 special studies credits total may be applied toward the major.
Double Majors
Students who double major in the Study of Women and Gender and another field may count toward the SWG major a maximum of three courses they choose to count toward another major, minor or concentration.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are expected to complete at least half of their major (or five courses) at Smith (or approved Five College courses).
Minor Requirements
In consultation with an adviser from the Study of Women and Gender program committee, a student will select six approved courses (or a total of 24 credits) in the program, including:
- SWG 150 Introduction to the Study of Women and Gender*
- One queer studies course
- One women, race and culture course
- Three additional courses in the program
Minors are strongly encouraged to elect at least one course at the 300 level.
*Normally taken in the first or second year, and which may not be elected S/U.
