Women's studies is the multicultural and global study of women's lives, including their history, status, contributions, and experiences. At IU South Bend, students examine the complex dynamics among race, ethnicity, locality, class, gender, and sexuality. Classroom readings and discussions represent a wide variety of women's perspectives on issues such as the conceptualization of difference, the production and recreation of femininity and masculinity, language and gender, the division of labor, women and poverty, sexual violence, reproductive rights, gay and lesbian theory, and contemporary feminist politics.

Special Opportunities

Students can participate in the Women's Studies Essay Contest, which has two categories: research and creativity. The department annually bestows the Women's Studies Excellence Award to the top women's studies graduate. Publications include W.I.R.E., a biannual community newsletter edited by women's studies students, and New Views on Gender, an annual undergraduate student journal of scholarly essays and papers.

The IU South Bend Women's Studies Public Forum Series features four presentations a year by IU South Bend faculty on gender and women's issues. In addition, the Women and Religion Public Luncheon Series is held every October and features a nationally recognized scholar.

Careers

Women's studies provides you with all the benefits of a liberal arts degree. Students develop excellent critical-thinking and communication skills that can be put to good use in many career and graduate school fields. In addition, this major provides a sound background to work in careers valuable to the community, such as counseling, health, education, and welfare, as well as key areas of business, human resources management, public relations, advertising, mass media, the arts, civil service, and international aid organizations.

Degree Programs

Associate of Arts in Humanities with a Concentration in Women's Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies

Learn about certificate programs to enhance your education.

Women's Studies degree requirements
Women's Studies courses

For more information, contact:
Department of Women's Studies
Wiekamp Hall 2288
(574) 520-5509
lwalker@iusb.edu