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Minor in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Studies

  • Do you want to learn how to address the challenges posed by diverse people, institutions, cultures and practices?
  • Do you want to think about social justice and social movements in the context of GLBTQ identities and politics?
  • Are you interested in examining sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, class, and other categories as difference?

The GLBT Studies Minor focuses on history, politics, and cultures of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. Courses are designed to help students explore the diversity of GLBT communities, the history and present conditions of sexual and gender identity formation, and the functioning and institutionalization of ideologies of sexuality in a democratic society. Students who undertake this minor will also consider multiple perspectives on how to analyze and address issues of homophobia, heterosexism, and other forms of oppression in the United States.

Who should minor in GLBT Studies?

The minor is ideal for majors in the following programs who have an interest in relating issues of sexuality and gender to their areas of research and study.

  • Art and Art History
  • Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature
  • Education
  • Family Social Science
  • Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Law and policy
  • Literature
  • Studies in Cinema and Media Culture
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Theatre

Other majors may find the minor of interest as well.

Why GLBT Studies at the University of Minnesota?

The intersection of a top-flight research institution with an increasingl diverse metropolitan area makes the University of Minnesota an exciting place for GLBT studies. The undergraduate minor degree program in GLBT Studies is offered through the Department of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, a department committed to the critical examination of gender and sexuality for 30 years. The interdisciplinary curriculum reflects the current breadth of theory and research on GLBT issues, drawing on a variety of disciplines—Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, GLBT Studies, Literary Studies, Family Social Science, History, American Studies, Art History, and Sociology, among others—to actively engage students and provoke critical thought.

Requirements

The minor consists of GLBT 1001 (3 credits) and an additional 15 upper division credits, to include two core courses and at least three electives. Core courses will focus on issues relating to the history, culture, social and political formations, and experiences of GLBT people. Elective courses may be drawn from the Theory of Sexuality Courses or a list of GLBT-focused courses (courses emphasizing GLBT issues/experiences) and of GLBT-component courses (those courses having one-quarter or more of their materials relating to the history, culture, social and political formations, or experiences of GLBT people).

Required Introductory Course

  • GLBT 1001: Introduction to GLBT Studies

Core Courses

  • GLBT 3301 / SW 3301: GLBT Social Movements
  • One of the following four Theory of Sexuality Courses:
    • GLBT 3456W / CSCL 3456W: Sexuality & Culture
    • GLBT 3472 / CSCL 3472: Gay Men & Homophobia in American Culture
    • GLBT 3404 / GWSS 3404: Transnational Sexualities
    • GLBT 4403 / GWSS 4403: Queering Theory

Electives

Three electives either from the Theory of Sexuality Courses above, the list below, or an approved course of your choice.**

  • AMST 4101: Gender, Sexuality and Politics in America
  • ARTH 3411: Gender & Sexuality in Art since 1863
  • ENGL 3330 / GLBT 3601: GLBT Literature
  • FSOS 4152: Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual People in Families
  • GLBT 3610: Topics in GLBT Studies
  • GLBT 5993: Directed Study
  • GWSS 3290 / HIST 3960: History & The Body
  • HIST 3212: Dissident Sexualities in U.S. History
  • PUBH 5010: Public Health Approaches to HIV/AIDS
  • SOC 4551 - Sociology of Sexualities
  • SOC 4521 - Love, Sex, & Marriage

** Additional courses not listed can be approved by submitting a syllabus and/or course description, related course materials such as research papers, and proof of enrollment to the minor's academic advisor.