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Home > Graduate Programs : Graduate Minor

GRADUATE MINOR: FEMINIST AND CRITICAL SEXUALITY

Graduate Minor applications are reviewed starting April 15; otherwise admissions are rolling until the start of fall semester.

The graduate minor certificate program in Feminist and Critical Sexuality Studies consists of a total of 15 credits. The Feminist and Critical Sexuality Studies minor is a supplementary program for graduate students already admitted to the University of Minnesota and enrolled in another degree program in the Graduate School. The minor is a program designed for students with widely flexible interests and academic aims looking for advanced graduate academic training in feminist and critical sexuality studies. The program is also designed to provide an interdisciplinary graduate program GLBTQ studies.

In the letter of interest, applicants must demonstrate a clear relationship between the focus and objectives of their doctoral research and the goals, curriculum, and scholarly resources of the Feminist and Critical Sexuality Graduate Minor program. Since the emphasis of the graduate minor is interdisciplinary, a focus or strong interest in such work is preferred. A prerequisite undergraduate major or minor in Gender, Women and/or GLBTQ/Sexuality Studies is not required for admission. However, applicants are expected to demonstrate general knowledge of this relevant scholarship in some combination of previous coursework, research and writing, and/or organizational activity/experience.

Graduate Minor students are expected to successfully complete one of two required core courses on feminist theories and methods (GWSS 8108 or GWSS 8109) which are offered on alternate years. The two core courses are designed to give students a coherent interdisciplinary overview of central questions, texts, and research methods in feminist, gender and sexuality studies. In addition, graduate minors must take four electives approved for the Feminist and Critical Sexuality Studies minor which may include 5000-8000 level courses in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies or 5000-8000 level courses in other departments. At least one of these graduate level courses must be taken inside the GWSS Department and at least one of these graduate courses must be taken outside the GWSS Department, preferably in the student’s home department. After meeting the core requirements, minor students are given significant leeway and support for designing innovative projects in conjunction with their home department. Graduate minor programs of study will be customized in consultation with the Feminist Studies Director of Graduate Studies to meet the needs and interests of graduate minor students.

While the graduate minor is designed for students with all kinds of interests in feminist studies, students particularly interested in GLBTQ Studies can design a course of graduate study through the Feminist and Critical Sexuality Studies Minor. Students should search out Feminist Studies Graduate Faculty Members with expertise in GLBTQ studies for committees, mentoring and advising for help in designing a graduate course of study.

Graduate Minor students have a primary program advisor in their home departments; the Feminist Studies DGS serves as the advisor for the minor. Students should be aware of any specific requirements determined by their home department or the Graduate School for the successful completion of the Feminist and Critical Sexuality Graduate Minor component of their doctoral program. Such requirements may include additional credits or drawing a set number of examination committee members from among the Feminist Studies Graduate Faculty. Although it is not a condition for successful completion of the graduate minor, students are strongly encouraged to attend the Feminist Studies Colloquia (GWSS 8996), to enroll in the Feminist Studies research and methods workshops, and to consider taking Feminist Research and Writing (GWSS 8997) during the final years of dissertation work.

Application Forms

• Graduate Minor Application Form (PDF)
• Graduate Minor Application Form (DOC)