Read about some of our popular courses below. You can find a list of all GWS classes here.
GWS 201: Race, Gender, and Power
In GWS 201, students learn how ideas about race and gender have been developed over time and used to both maintain and question systems of power. This means thinking not only about how power is used to oppress, but also how seemingly powerless groups work to create change. The class focuses especially on institutions such as law, media, education, workplaces, medicine, and the family. (Same as SOC 201)
*GWS 201 satisfies the General Education criteria for Cultural Studies – Western/Comparative Cultures
GWS 282: Feminist & Queer Activisms
From anti-lynching campaigns to Black Lives Matter, Wages for Housework to domestic worker organizing, and ACT UP to queer migration politics, GWS 282 examines the histories and principles of feminist, queer, and anti-racist social movements. This class centers women of color theorists and activists as students think through the complex relationship between theory and practice. (Same as AAS 282 and LLS 282)
*GWS 282 satisfies the General Education criteria for Cultural Studies – US Minority.
GWS 350: Feminist & Gender Theory
GWS 350 addresses key debates in contemporary feminisms and considers different theorizations of gender as they are lived, embodied, and performed. Students will learn the foundational concepts and interventions of feminist theory and develop their ability to apply theoretical arguments to current social and political issues.
GWS 399: Internship
The GWS Internship class helps student apply knowledge from their GWS courses to the real world, while also honing skills relevant to their future careers. Students get meaningful hands-on experience by working on a project for a local organization while earning academic credit for the GWS program. Class meets through flexibly arranged, online one-on-one meetings. Check out our FAQ page for more information!
*GWS 399 is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
GWS 416: Latinx Feminisms
GWS 416 focuses on the complexities of Latinx feminist thought and practice. This class addresses topics including anti-Blackness, colonization, gender-based violence, reproductive justice, artivism, and more. Over the course of the semester, students will develop a podcast final project. (Same as LLS 416)
GWS 467: Locating Queer Culture
GWS 467 teaches students hands-on research methods including oral history and archival research, while also exploring the rich legacy of queer culture and activism at the University of Illinois. Students will build their own original research projects that contribute to the archives of queer history on our campus.