Gender and Women's Studies York University

Overview

Overview

Explore the diversity of women's experience in the present and past through courses that examine how race, ethnicity, disability, class and sexual orientation have shaped women’s lives. 

Through cross-cultural and disciplinary assessment, you’ll expose misconceptions about women expressed through myth, ideologies, teaching and writings. York University impressive community of professors conducts research that spans many fields including the humanities and social sciences, law, business, fine arts and environmental studies.

Learning outcomes

Gender and Women's Studies BA program at York University examines issues pertinent to women’s lives in the present and the past from an economic, political, social, and cultural perspective, with particular attention to how race, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation have defined their experiences. In fact, every experience can be examined from these angles, and our interdisciplinary approach will allow you to do just that as you complete your degree.

• We offer academic Bridging Courses for women who want to upgrade their writing and speaking skills and explore the possibility of university study.
• Our program places a particular emphasis on international issues. Study with top-notch professors like Gertrude Mianda, a specialist in women and development, globalization, and African immigrant women in Canada. Bettina Bradbury is renowned for her work in the history of women in Quebec and recipient of the John A. Macdonald Prize for her book on Canadian history. Jacinthe Michaud is a specialist in social movements and the feminist movement. Any François is currently working on the promotion of equality and social justice in contemporary societies through the development of global antidiscriminatory strategies.
• Take classes at either one of our campuses – Glendon or Keele.
• Outside the classroom, you can participate in the activities of our on-campus Women’s Centre

Gender & Women's Studies undertakes a critical evaluation of gender, and challenges many traditional assumptions and theories that previously excluded women. To do so, this program:

• examines how gender is expressed in the attitudes and institutions of various societies in different historical periods;
• explores the possible origins of gender differentiation;
• questions how gender expectations mould the development of women and men;
• studies the ways in which gender interacts with other social institutions and practices.