History and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Simon Fraser University

Overview

The History and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies joint major at Simon Fraser University provides a comprehensive academic framework for exploring the complex relationships between historical events and social identities. This interdisciplinary programme allows students to investigate how gender and sexuality have shaped human experiences across different eras and cultures. By combining the analytical tools of two distinct departments, the curriculum fosters a deep understanding of power structures and social change.

Why History and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at Simon Fraser University?

This programme benefits from the collaborative expertise of the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies and the Department of History. These departments share complementary interests in social justice, identity, and historical documentation, providing students with a unique dual perspective. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers a supportive environment where students can tailor their degree through various concentrations, such as Middle Eastern or British history. This partnership ensures that graduates possess both the research rigour of a historian and the critical theoretical lens of gender studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 37442 per year
• National fee: CAD 7502 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 120 units, balanced between lower-division foundational courses and advanced upper-division seminars. Modules may include:

• Sex Talk: Contemporary Issues in Sexuality Studies
• Gender Talk
• Feminist Action
• Africa, Middle East, Asia History
• The Americas History
• Europe History
• Global/Comparative History
• British History and Irish History
• Early Modern World History

Careers with History and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

Graduates of this joint major are prepared for diverse professional paths that require critical thinking, research skills, and an understanding of social equity. The interdisciplinary nature of the studies supports careers in policy development, community advocacy, and historical research. Many students find opportunities within non-governmental organisations, public archives, or educational institutions where expertise in gender dynamics and historical context is highly valued. The programme also serves as a strong foundation for further academic pursuits in law, social work, or graduate-level humanities research.