Women's & Gender Studies
Explore the portrayal of femininities and masculinities in advertising, documentaries, pornography, cultural production, news media and feature-length films. See how the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries have been envisioned by independent, Hollywood and science fiction writers. Examine the impact of the Indian Act and colonialism on Aboriginal women. Participate in online group projects that deal with issues such as ecological degradation, militarism, racism,and transnational organizing. Analyze the intersections of race, class, age, disability and sexual orientation and their impact on women’s and men’s health and well-being. These are just a few of the opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Women’s & Gender Studies at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Women's & Gender Studies?
Women’s and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary program that explores gender and sexual diversity, masculinities and queer studies, practices of representation and cultural production, popular culture, and critical transnational feminisms.
Drawing on innovative conceptual frameworks and interdisciplinary methodologies, our undergraduate curriculum addresses intersections of embodiment, identity, community and knowledge politics in arenas that span the intimate and the international. Engaging the everyday worlds that we inherit and inhabit, the program provides critical tools that help students re-imagine more inclusive processes for creative, social and political change.
A Stepping Stone...
Women’s and Gender Studies graduates are sought-after members of social justice and community-based organizations. Some go into business with others or for themselves; others pursue creative and critical work in the arts, becoming writers, artists, musicians, playwrights; still others go on to specialized work in the professions, such as Law, Journalism, Medicine, International Relations, Social Work, Academia or Education. As well, a four-year B.A. or an Honours degree in Women’s and Gender Studies provide students with the critical writing and thinking skills needed for graduate education.
Career Opportunities
Women’s & Gender Studies graduates pursue careers in many exciting areas:
Education & Library Services — academic administrative assistant, archivist, coordinator of women’s services, librarian, researcher, school teacher, university professor and university staff psychologist.
Health, Social & Human Services — claims reviewer, director of programs for inner-city teenagers, health clinic medical assistant, hospital foundation executive director, human services administrator, planned parenthood clinic coordinator, psychotherapist, recreational therapist, sexual assault/abuse educator and social justice employee.
Law & Government — communications consultant, freelance legal worker, law enforcement employee, government relations manager, lawyer, town manager, union organizer and writer.
Business & Industry — training and development, human resources, management, marketing, advertising, public relations and sales consulting
Writing — journalism, creative writing, freelance writing, copywriting
The U of S Advantage
The Women’s & Gender Studies program is unique in Canada in that it is integrated within an interdisciplinary centre in the College of Arts & Science.
Women’s & Gender Studies at the U of S enjoys a solid reputation for academic breadth and strength.
A Major in Women's & Gender Studies
Students majoring in Women’s & Gender Studies can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Three-year
- B.A. Four-year
- B.A. Honours
A minor in Women’s & Gender Studies can be taken in conjunction with any other three-year, four-year or Honours degree.
While attaining my Women’s & Gender Studies degree, I learned to apply a gendered lens to a range of ideas, historical interpretations and perspectives on society from biology through to science fiction, media and film. My degree provided me with the writing, research and discussion skills to undertake an M.A. in Philosophy, and to continue to hold ideas to a critical standard. I appreciate the mentorship and guidance I received from the department and highly recommend Women's & Gender Studies classes to other students looking for a dynamic and challenging learning experience.—Rachel Loewen Walker,
WGST High Honours,
M.A. in Philosophy,
SSHRC Grant recipient
Outstanding Students, Staff & Faculty
- Catherine Lesley Biggs is a recipient of the Master Teacher Award at the University of Saskatchewan (2009); College of Arts and Science Teaching Excellence Award in the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts (2008); University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU) Women’s Centre Award, with Susan Gingell and Diana Relke as co-recipients (2003); University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU) Teaching Excellence Award (1999).
- Joan Borsa is a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Arts Award (2008).
- Tonya Kaye received the WSRU Bread & Roses Award (2009) in honour of her outstanding commitment to students and teachers in Women's & Gender Studies and her dedication as a CUPE 1975 member. She also received the USSU Doug Favell Staff Spirit Award (2007), honouring her longstanding committment to student well-being.
- Marie Lovrod is a recipient of the University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU) Teaching Excellence Award (2006 – 7) and the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Centre Award (2006 – 7).
- Diana Relke received the Women’s Studies Research Unit International Women’s Day Bread and Roses Award (2007) and the University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU) Women’s Centre Award, with Lesley Biggs and Susan Gingell as co-recipients (2003).
- Peter Garden, who received a B.A. with Distinction in 2003, owns and manages Saskatoon's alternative bookstore, Turning the Tide. Peter Garden is recognized for his contributions to local issues of social justice.
Getting Involved!
Join the Women’s & Gender Studies Students’ Union (WAGS) and take part in a number of activities including guest speaker functions, movie nights and fundraising activities. WAGS provides an opportunity for students who are interested in women’s and gender issues to come together and share ideas, become involved in a variety of activities, and have fun. WAGS also works collaboratively with the U of S Women’s Centre to host International Women’s Day.
Join the Women’s Studies Research Unit (WSRU), an organization that promotes scholarly research for, by and about women. WAGS, the Women’s Centre and the Women’s Studies Research Unit also offer conferences and workshops that students can attend.
Research Facilities
The program's main office has numerous resources — including publications, textbooks and videos — that are available to students. In addition, the U of S Women’s Centre houses a library with books, journals and files on special topics, which students are encouraged to use.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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