Gender and Body Studies Minor
The Gender and Body Studies Minor intellectually ground students in the texts, theoretical frameworks, and cultural influences that define the scholarly disciplines of Gender and Body Studies.
Students in this program will become versed in and apply feminist and gender theories as they examine the range of cultural practices and social influences that shape our perceptions of gender, sexuality, and bodies.
The concepts of diversity, inclusivity, and disposition will inform many of the courses, as students explore cultural representations and social constructions of body image, race, class, gender, ability, and sexuality.
The purpose of this program is to expose students to the historical trajectory of Gender Studies and its impact on social justice issues in contemporary society and to encourage undergraduate research in the emerging area of Body Studies.
Through this reading and writing intensive program, students will become shrewd interpreters of culture and distinctive communicators in oral and written form. Students who pursue this minor will become critical and creative thinkers who are well-prepared for a variety of careers and graduate study.
Students in this program will also be able to participate in the National Undergraduate Body Image Conference that is hosted biennially at Cabrini.
Any student who wishes to declare a minor in Gender and Body Studies should see the Chair of the Department of Writing and Narrative Arts.
Requirements for the Minor in Gender and Body Studies
(all courses 3 credits unless noted)
- GBS 253 - Bodies of Literature
- GBS 250 - Introduction to Body Studies
- GBS 338 - Feminist Theory and Gender Studies
Elective Courses - Select three courses in two different disciplines:
- GBS 227 - Difficult Men: Masculinity and the Media
- ENG 228 - Social Realism in Literature and the Media
- ENG 290 - Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
- GBS 325 - Queer Theory
- GBS 326 - Applied Instruction In Women’s Studies
(1 credit; must be repeated three times) - ENG 328 - Asian American Women Writers
- GBS 329 - Women and Sexuality
- H-ENG 330 - Theorizing Beauty In Literature and Culture
- GBS 335 - Images of Women In Literature and Media
- ENG 336 - African-American Women Writers
- ENG 339 - Toni Morrison
- GBS 341 - In My Body: The Beauty and Aesthetics of Body
- ENG 201/301 - Special Topics In Literature
(must be approved by the English Department Chair) - HIS 419 - Women and History
- PHI 275 - Philosophy of Women
- PSY 280 - Media Influences and Psychological Development
- REL 311 - Women In Religion and Society
- SOW 211 - Skin Deep: Exposing Values In Beauty Culture
Total credits for minor: 18