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 the Undergraduate Policies section of this catalog.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 402 | Queer Theory | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexuality
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Gender, Health, and Culture in the United States | ||
| Gender, Race, Sexuality, and TV | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Race, Class, and LGBTQ Communities | ||
| Current Topics in LGBTQ Studies (with minor advisor approval) | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Transnational Sexualities
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Current Topics in LGBTQ Studies (with minor advisor approval) | ||
| Culture, Sexuality and the Global AIDS Epidemic | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits that focus on sexuality studies not already used for above requirement. Three credits must be at the 300- or 400-level. | 6 | |
| 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) | ||
| Feminist Theories of Gender, Sexuality, and Race | ||
| Gender, Race, Sexuality, and TV | ||
| Current Topics in LGBTQ Studies | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Race, Class, and LGBTQ Communities | ||
| 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 | 6 | |