The LGBTQ Studies minor is designed to engage students in the interdisciplinary field of LGBTQ studies through an intersectional framework. The courses will draw from the history of the LGBTQ movement in the United States as well as transnational movements on debates around gender and sexuality. Courses will also focus on theoretical frameworks important in LGBTQ studies such as queer theory, crip theory, feminist theory, and critical race theory. In addition to this focus, courses will also draw from activist frameworks to discuss LGBTQ issues. With these frameworks, students will explore issues of policy, legislation, media representation, theoretical debates, and activism within LGBTQ communities. This minor will prepare them to construct arguments and apply theory to practice in LGBTQ related coursework and professional organizations.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 18
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Core Courses
Foundational Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 208 | Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Theory Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Feminist Theories of Gender, Sexuality, and Race | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Race, Class, and LGBTQ Communities | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following not already used for above requirement. Six credits must be in WMST courses. | 12 | |
| Documentary and Non-Fiction Film/Media (Mason Core) | ||
| Cultural Constructions of Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality and Human Behavior | ||
| Culture, Sexuality and the Global AIDS Epidemic | ||
| Gender Representation in Popular Culture (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (Mason Core) | ||
| Current Issues in Women and Gender Studies (with approval when topic is appropriate) | ||
| Gender, Health, and Culture in the United States | ||
| Feminist Theories of Gender, Sexuality, and Race | ||
| Gender, Race, Sexuality, and TV | ||
| Current Topics in LGBTQ Studies | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Race, Class, and LGBTQ Communities | ||
| LGBTQ Issues in Education | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (with the approval of the minor advisor) | ||
Other special topics courses with the approval of the minor advisor. | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |