Department Overview

Director Deborah Heath

Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the biological, social, and cultural construction of femininity and masculinity, and the ways men and women locate themselves within gender systems. Gender defines relationships among women, among men, and between men and women. Interacting with factors such as race and class, gender structures the activities into which women and men enter in all aspects of life.

Building on Lewis & Clark's commitment to gender issues and gender balance across the curriculum, the College offers a program in this relatively new field of study. Lewis & Clark's Gender Studies Program, the first of its kind in the country, has received national recognition. It provides a continuing resource for integration of gender throughout the curriculum and also enables students to explore these crucial areas of human concern directly and in depth through an interdisciplinary minor in gender studies. The program identifies resources, gathers information, develops programs, sponsors an annual symposium, and serves as catalyst for change that should be of equal concern to men and women.

The Minor Program

The interdisciplinary minor in gender studies examines the relationship between biological differences and social inequality, explores the construction of sexual identity, and analyzes the variations in gender systems that have occurred across cultures and over time. It illuminates the images of femininity and masculinity that shape cultural representations and explores similarities and differences in men's and women's artistic expression. Courses take gender as a subject of focus and investigate how gender interacts with race, class, and culture. The College's internationalized curriculum and overseas study program make it possible for students to examine the intersections of gender, race, and class in a variety of cultures. Finally, the minor engages students in the political and philosophical exploration of strategies for transforming coercive and unequal gender systems and enhancing individual choice and our common humanity.

Minor Requirements

A minimum of 24 semester credits, distributed as follows:

• Gender Studies 200, 231, 300, 440.
• Eight semester credits selected from a list of approved electives available annually from the the program director.

At least four of the courses applied to the minor cannot be used for another minor or major program. In addition, at least four of the courses for the minor must be taken at Lewis & Clark.

Students interested in a Gender Studies Minor should contact the Director and/or one of the sponsoring faculty (a current list is available on the website). It is recommended that students plan early (by the end of the sophomore year) for this minor to ensure that they can schedule the required courses and the electives of their choosing.