Main Content Region

Program Classes

GSS Course Descriptions

Lower Division

GSS 100. Introduction to Women's Studies

An introduction to the growing body of women's studies scholarship. Includes feminist theories of gender stratification and introduces women's issues, experiences and achievements in a variety of fields, including multiple aspects of diversity among women. (4 units)

GSS 101. Introduction to Masculinity Studies

Survey course exploring the different ways that masculinity is constructed, understood, and represented historically and contemporarily. Examines the social and personal meanings of masculinity across multiple contexts including the definitions of masculinity held by people as shaped by sex, culture, nationality, social class, physicality, race/ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation (4 units).

GSS 103. Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies

Interdisciplinary overview of the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies. Explores both historical events and contemporary issues related to LGBT Studies, drawing readings from various academic disciplines including anthropology, the arts, communication studies, history, literature, philosophy, psychology, the sciences, sociology and women's studies. Addresses multiple aspects of diversity among LGBT people, their histories, and experiences (4 units)

Upper Division

GSS 300. Feminist Research Methods

Development and implementation of research (quantitative and qualitative) informed by feminist theory. (4 units)

GSS 336. Women Writers

Literary analysis of selected works by women writers, with special emphasis on historical and contemporary issues of women's lives. (Also offered as ENG 336. Students may not receive credit for both.) (4 units)

GSS 357. Political Economy of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgendered People

Examination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) households and individuals within the economy, including topics such as “gay consumer market,” the division of labor within LGBT households, and discrimination based on sexual orientation. (Also offered as ECON 357, students may not receive credit for both.) (4 units)

GSS 390. Topics in Gender and Sexuality Studies

Examination of selected topics of current interest in gender and sexuality studies. May be repeated for credit as topics change. (4 units)

GSS 420. Feminist Theory

Survey of feminist theory. (4 units)

GSS 425. Women as Agents of Social Change

Historical and contemporary analysis of women as agents of social change, including responses to gender-based discrimination, consideration of feminist theories of social change and debates over desired directions for the future of societies. Prerequisite: WSTD 100 or consent of instructor. (4 units)

GSS 450. Queer Theory

Introduction to queer theory through an examination of key theoretical texts, providing an interdisciplinary survey of theories of sexual diversity within changing historical and cultural contexts. (4 units)

GSS 575. Internship in Gender and Sexuality Programs and Services

Supervised work and study in private or public organizations involving gender and sexuality issues. May be repeated once for credit, a total of eight units may apply toward graduation. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: consent of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Program Committee coordinator. (2-4 units)

GSS 595. Independent Study

Investigation of special topics in gender and sexuality studies that are not covered by the curricular offerings in gender and sexuality studies or the cross-listed offerings from other departments. No more than eight units of independent study may be applied toward the minor or certificate in gender and sexuality studies. Prerequisites: junior standing, consent of instructor and approval by the Gender and Sexuality Studies Program coordinator. (2-5 units)