COURSE CURRICULUM

The Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) Track in the Master of Humanities or Master of Social Science program at the University of Colorado Denver is an interdisciplinary graduate concentration focused on the critical study of gender, sexuality, and power through feminist, queer, post-colonial, ethnic, and cultural theory. Grounded in both the humanities and social sciences, the track examines how gender and sex are constructed and expressed across culture, politics, language, history, media, and social institutions, while emphasizing critical thinking about inequality, identity, and social transformation. Students begin with core interdisciplinary graduate requirements, including IDST 5020 Foundations and Theories of Interdisciplinary Studies, IDST 5013 Methods and Practices of Interdisciplinary Studies, and IDST 5023 Research Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Studies, which provide training in theory, research methods, and interdisciplinary analysis. In addition to these core courses, students must complete a WGST theory course such as SSCI/HUMN/WGST 6010 Feminism and Gender Theory Seminar, PHIL/WGST 5500 Feminist Philosophy, or ENGL/HIST 5306 Survey of Feminist Thought, which establish a strong foundation in feminist and gender-based scholarship. They are also required to complete at least 12 credit hours of WGST-related graduate coursework, which may include electives or internship experiences, allowing them to deepen expertise in areas such as queer media studies, gender and development, women’s rights, interpersonal violence, feminist philosophy, and gender in science, history, and culture. A culminating requirement in the form of a final project or thesis on a WGST topic allows students to demonstrate advanced research and analytical skills. The program offers a wide range of approved electives across disciplines such as anthropology, communication, political science, sociology, history, English, and interdisciplinary studies, enabling students to tailor their academic focus to specific interests like social justice, gender policy, or cultural representation. Overall, the WGST Track prepares graduates for careers in education, advocacy, public policy, nonprofit leadership, media, and research, as well as for doctoral study in gender studies and related fields, by providing a strong theoretical foundation and interdisciplinary analytical training focused on gender and social change.