Transforming Perspectives, Empowering Change
Through the Gender and Sexuality Studies minor, students not only enhance their academic expertise but also cultivate their passion for creating a just and inclusive society. It is an invaluable opportunity to grow intellectually, personally, and professionally, positioning them as agents of positive change in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.
The Gender & Sexuality Studies minor offers learners the opportunity to integrate transformative knowledge and practices into their education plan by pursuing foundational courses in the degree alongside those that align with their learning goals. This inter- and transdisciplinary minor fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deep engagement with feminist, queer, and socially transformative theories. With a focus on social justice and anti-oppressive pedagogy, the minor explores the complexities of gender, gender identity and expression, sexuality, and intersecting identities within US and transnational contexts.
Students in the minor develop a valuable skill set that is applicable to various career paths. By critically analyzing societal norms, power structures, and oppressive systems that bear upon gender and sexuality, students refine their ability to evaluate and challenge prevailing assumptions. Through an intersectional lens, they gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of gender, race, class, nation, and sexuality, unveiling the multifaceted dimensions of social identities and the impact of various forms of oppression. These processes strengthen critical thinking skills, empowering students with the critical tools and insights to drive meaningful transformation.
"What started as a whim - adding a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies - swiftly became a powerful stepping stone in my academic journey, opening up a wealth of opportunities for self-development and meaningful recognition. I was already dissecting the intricate fabric of masculinity's social and cultural constructs while others in my major were just getting acquainted with Kimberlé Crenshaw's intersectionality. This 'minor' choice became a significant turning point, accelerating my academic growth and paving the way for professional acknowledgment, far surpassing all my expectations."
-Casey L Combs
NMSU G&SS Alum (Minor '23)
Within the minor, learners can participate in the Media Arts and Cultural Studies (MACS) course concentration, where they explore the role of media, art, film, graphic narratives, and popular culture in shaping and being shaped by social perceptions of gender, sexuality, and difference. MACS fosters a transformative fusion of critical inquiry, research-creation, and do-it-yourself (DIY) methods, enabling students to disrupt conventional narratives and construct their own perspectives through project-based learning.
Taking a transnational and hemispheric approach, the curriculum prompts students to traverse intellectual and geographical borders, examining the intricate interplay of gender, gender identity and expression, and sexuality across global contexts. By embracing a range of experiences and perspectives, students critically engage with the complexities of gender and sexuality, fostering a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of our world.
Through their studies, students develop a profound understanding of gender and sexuality, equipping themselves with the knowledge and skills to advocate for positive social change. They become drivers of transformation in the fields they enter, such as social work, policy analysis, research, education, cultural criticism, creative expression, and community development. By amplifying the voices and experiences of marginalized groups, including women, queer individuals, transgender individuals, and others, students actively contribute to fostering a more inclusive society. The Gender & Sexuality Studies minor empowers students to challenge inequality, dismantle systemic barriers, and cultivate inclusivity within workplaces, communities, and beyond.
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