Women's and Gender Studies Home

We offer a Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) that complements almost every other field of study, whether business, communication, nursing, education, theology, or the fine and liberal arts. You will explore significant contemporary questions, such as

• Are women naturally better nurturers than men?
• Is marriage a right for heterosexual and homosexual couples?
• How do the media affect society’s understanding of men, women, and gender relations?
• Why are positions of authority in society occupied mostly by men, even though women are equally competent?

The mission of the Women’s and Gender Studies program is to twofold:

1. To advance understanding about women, feminism, and gender among students and the broader North Park community, and

2. To encourage students’ commitment to the pursuit of justice for women and men through political and social activism, volunteer opportunities, and their chosen careers and avocations.

During March of every year, we celebrate Women’s History Month with events and activities planned by North Park students. Throughout the academic year, the campus community is invited to enjoy panel discussions, expert speakers, round table discussions, and other events. For a list of this year’s Women’s History Month events, see our events page.

A great way to get started on the Minor, or if you’re curious about WGS, is to enroll in the Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies course. It meets the General Education Culture and Society requirement, starting in 2009-10.

For more information, please contact Dr. Margaret Haefner, Director, Women’s and Gender Studies Program by email or by phone at 773-244-5738.