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Introducing the Capstone (Basic) Track in
Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality

The Program in Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality announces its new Capstone (Basic) Track, which will begin fall 2009 and be available for entering first year students and sophomores.  Capstone concentrators will take a total of 12 half-course credits (instead of the 13 required for Honors) and will participate in the Senior Capstone course (instead of the year-long Senior Thesis).  Students interested in pursuing Honors eligibility will submit their applications to the Director of Studies following completion of WGS 1300.  (Please note that those who have already applied and been accepted to the Honors Track need not apply again.) 

WGS REQUIREMENTS

Capstone (Basic) Requirements

12 half-courses

For students entering the concentration in 2009-2010 or later, the basic requirements are as follows:

1. Required Courses:

1. WGS 97:  Sophomore Tutorial.  Students should take this course by the end of their Sophomore year.  Restricted to concentrators.
2. Choose one of the foundational courses: WGS 1200 or 1210.
3. WGS 1300: Methods Course.
4. Any WGS course numbered 1400+ or substituted seminar by permission of the Director of Studies.
5. Seven additional half-courses in WGS or on WGS-related topics, one of which must be outside of the student's primary area of the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences (e.g., a student focusing on the humanities must take one half-course in the social sciences or the natural sciences).  A list of pre-approved courses from other departments is available on the WGS website. Students will work with concentration advisers to develop cohesive plans of study that are primarily situated within the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. An additional foundational course (WGS 1200 or 1210) beyond that required can count within this group of required classes.  At least four of these seven courses must be drawn from WGS course offerings or taught by WGS affiliated faculty.
6. Senior Capstone: Offered yearly by WGS faculty starting spring 2011.

 

Requirements for Honors Eligibility

13 half-courses

1. Required courses:
   
   
1. Choose one of the foundational courses: WGS 1200 or 1210.
2. WGS 1300: Methods Course.
3. Any WGS course numbered 1400+ or substituted seminar by permission of the Director of Studies.
4. Six half-courses in WGS or on WGS-related topics, one of which must be outside of the student's primary area of the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences (e.g., a student focusing on the humanities must take one half-course in the social sciences or the natural sciences).  A list of pre-approved courses from other departments is available on the WGS website.  Students will work with concentration advisers to develop cohesive plans of study that are primarily situated within the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. Concentration credit will be granted for courses that provide context or further methodological or theoretical training for the student's thesis.  An additional foundational course (WGS 1200 or 1210) beyond that required can count within this group of six classes.  At least three of these six courses must be drawn from WGS course offerings or taught by WGS affiliated faculty.
   
   
2. Tutorials:
   
   
1. Sophomore year: WGS 97.  Students should take this course by the end of their Sophomore year.  Restricted to concentrators.
2. Junior year: WGS 98 (one term) required. Letter-graded. A 20-25 page junior essay is required.
3. Senior year thesis: WGS 99a and 99b, the writing of the senior thesis. Graded SAT/UNS. In order for a student to receive a grade of SAT for the fall term, a substantial part of the thesis work must be submitted by the end of the term.
   
   
3. Thesis: Required of Honors-eligible students, who apply for Honors track admission after completion of WGS 1300.
   
   
4. Oral Examination:  Each Honors-eligible concentrator takes an individually tailored oral General Examination at the end of the senior year.

Interested students should contact Director of Studies Caroline Light for more information.