Apr 24, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2011-2012 
    
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Undergraduate Record 2011-2012 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Studies in Women and Gender

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Requirements for Major

A Major in Studies in Women and Gender (SWAG) requires the completion of 10 courses (30 credits). At least five of these courses must carry a SWAG mnemonic (to include combined SWAG courses). At least seven courses must be at the 3000 level or above. All SWAG Majors must complete the following required courses:

1. SWAG 2100 Introduction to Gender Studies
2. Either SWAG 3810 Feminist Theory or SWAG 3800 Queer Theory
3. SWAG 4050 Senior Seminar
4. One SWAG course designated as concentrating on Global Perspectives.

The completion of (1) SWAG 2100 and (2) either SWAG 3810 or SWAG 3800 are a prerequisite for admission to SWAG 4050 (the Senior Seminar). A minimum grade of C must be earned in any course counted toward the Major. Courses counting toward the SWAG Major may include up to two courses designated as adjunct courses and up to two Independent Study courses. An adjunct course is one in which gender is a significant focus, but whose focus is not on women or gender. An independent study course may include one semester of an approved internship. Three SWAG courses may be “double-counted” toward a Major in another department; that is, three SWAG courses taken for another Major can also count toward the SWAG major.
 

Distinguished Majors Program

Majors in Studies in Women and Gender (SWAG) with a strong academic record are encouraged to become Distinguished Majors. Distinguished Majors complete a two-semester written thesis (approximately 40-60 pages in length) in their fourth year under the supervision of a SWAG faculty member. The thesis allows students to pursue their own interests in depth and have the intellectual satisfaction of defining and completing a sustained project. The Distinguished Major and Senior Thesis is an especially good option for students considering graduate level work in any field.

To be eligible, students must have a 3.400 overall GPA at the start of their fourth year. Students pursuing the Senior Thesis are encouraged to consider enrolling in SWAG 3820 Feminist Methodologies.  Students are required to sign up for a 6-credit course, SWAG 4998 and 4999, under the supervision of a SWAG faculty member. The thesis must also be approved by a second faculty member whom the student will choose in consultation with the thesis advisor.

The 6-credit senior thesis course will count toward the 30 credits required for the Major. Successful completion of the thesis qualifies the student for graduation with Distinction, High Distinction, or Highest Distinction, depending upon the recommendation of the two faculty advisors, and subject to approval of the College’s Committee on Special Programs.

An early start is important to the successful completion of a Senior Thesis. While not required, it is recommended that students make the decision to pursue the Distinguished Majors Program during their third year. This will give them the opportunity to discuss the project with various faculty members, determine suitable advisors, and have the summer between the third and fourth years to define their project further and begin some preliminary reading and planning. Students choosing to pursue the thesis should complete a DMP enrollment form in the first semester of their final year.

 

Requirements for Minor

A Minor in Studies in Women and Gender (SWAG) requires the completion of six courses (18 credits). At least four of these courses must be at the 3000 level or above. All SWAG Minors must complete (1) SWAG 2100, (2) either SWAG 3810 “Feminist Theory” or SWAG 3800 “Queer Theory,” (3) choose either SWAG 3820 “Feminist Methodologies” or SWAG 4050 “Senior Seminar,” and (4) one SWAG course designated as concentrating on Global Perspectives. The completion of SWAG 3810 or SWAG 3800 is a prerequisite for admission to SWAG 4050. A minimum grade of C must be earned in any course counted toward the Minor. Courses counting toward the SWAG Minor may include one course designated as an adjunct course. An adjunct course is one in which gender is a significant focus, but whose central focus is not on women or gender.

 

Additional Information

For more information, contact the SWAG Director, Charlotte J. Patterson, Studies in Women and Gender Program, P.O. Box 400172, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4172; (434) 982-2961; cjp@virginia.edu; www.virginia.edu/womenstudies

 

Course Descriptions

Each semester the Studies in Women and Gender produces a list of primary and adjunct courses that count toward the Major and Minor, including those which are designated as satisfying the Global Perspective requirement. For an up-to-date listing of non-SWAG courses, see our website at: http://www.virginia.edu/womenstudies/courses.htm

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