Course Planning for New and Exploring Students
Gender studies majors will ideally begin working through the required courses during their first year or early in their second year. We encourage you to declare your gender studies major or minor early in the process to ensure you receive advising assistance. Courses do not need to be taken in order; however, it is strongly advised that students take GEST 100: Introduction to Gender Studies early in their careers, and that they take GEST 240: Methods in Gender Studies before fulfilling the theory requirement.
Below is a recommended path through the major, though each student will need to determine their own timing for requirements that ensures all core courses and other degree requirements are met before graduation. Not all courses are offered every year.
Year 1: GEST 100: Introduction to Gender Studies + GEST Entry-Level Topics Courses
Year 2: GEST 240: Methods in Gender Studies + [GEST 110: Gender & Feminism in Historical Perspective or GEST 350: Anthropology of Gender] + [GEST 180: Biology of Human Reproduction or GEST 270: Psychology of Gender]
Year 3 + Year 4: [GEST 301: Intersectional Feminist Theories or GEST 300: Intro to Queer Theory] + Senior Capstone Project + GEST Upper-Level Topics Courses
Declare a Major/Minor
All students are expected to declare a major before the end of sophomore year. Ideally, sophomore students will declare a major (and switch to an advisor in the major) before advance registration advising begins in spring term.
Major Advising
All students will transition to a major advisor upon declaration. The major advisor will help students plan their coursework to satisfy requirements for the major, select courses in other areas to complement the major or satisfy personal interests, and prepare for their Senior Experience. Prospective gender studies majors can consult with any of the following affiliated faculty about serving as a major advisor:
- Ingrid V. Albrecht, David and Julia Uihlein Professor of Ethics and Associate Professor of Philosophy
- Celia Barnes, Associate Professor of English
- Elizabeth Carlson, Associate Professor of Art History
- Sigma Colon, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Ethnic Studies
- Carla Daughtry, Associate Professor of Anthropology
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Alison C. Guenther-Pal, Associate Professor of German
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Victoria Kononova, Associate Professor of Russian
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Julie McQuinn, Associate Professor of Music
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Kathy Privatt, James G. and Ethel M. Barber Professor of Theatre and Drama and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts
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Marcy Quiason, Assistant Professor of Gender Studies
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Monica Rico, Robert S. French Professor of American Studies and Professor of History
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Jesus G. Smith, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies
Add a Major Advisor
Need help identifying an advisor in the major? Students can contact advising@lawrence.edu for assistance with advisor matching.
Minor Advising
Students do not need an official advisor for the gender studies minor. Instead, gender studies minors are encouraged to consult with the program director or other affiliated gender studies faculty for advice on course selection and satisfying minor requirements.
Additional Student Resources
If you still have questions about advising support related to the gender studies program, we invite you to contact the program director.