5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Take A Women And Gender Studies Class | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Take A Women And Gender Studies Class

Women and Gender Studies classes are for everyone.

5023
5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Take A Women And Gender Studies Class

Women and gender studies, commonly known as women's studies at some universities, is a recent major option. In the wake of so much political and social change in this country, women and gender studies has become an intriguing topic of study because of the implications it now has on everyday life. Although this major is one that teaches a wide range of facts about otherwise unknown parts of history and marginalized peoples' lives, it gets a bad reputation on many university campuses. It is known as an easy major with almost all of the population being tumblr feminists. Even though this is incredibly untrue, this idea is common knowledge among most university students and the negative implications of this “knowledge” is damaging to ourselves and others. To think of women studies in this light is to do yourself a great disservice. The study of gender is something that improves everyone’s life. Not just women. Not just men. Both of these groups, and everyone in between.

1. It fits into almost every major.

Women and gender studies has variety that just isn’t present in other majors. Most of the classes, while counting towards a degree in Women’s Studies can also count as a Sociology class depending on your major. Not only that, but many degrees require diversity or culture credits. Women's studies classes can almost always fill these required courses for many majors and there are tons of options to choose from. Whether you want to learn about sexuality and why we have a gender binary, pop culture and how it influences our daily lives, or the history of a marginalized group that doesn’t make it into most textbooks, women's studies is beneficial.

2. These classes help you make informed political and social decisions.

The study of marginalized people is so present in women and gender studies because it is a degree based on inclusivity, compassion, and understanding for all people. For this reason, many groups are studied because of their marginalization. This includes courses on different races, religions, and areas of the world. In an America that is now becoming more progressive in the way that we see others, we would benefit from learning the reasons that people are marginalized, how social systems of oppression work and untimately how to fix them. These histories helps guide decisions about what social and political reforms or legislation could not only be beneficial for you, but for the other members in society that many forget or simply don’t care enough about.

3. It enables you to be a compassionate member of society.

Although no one can teach a human being how to be compassionate, women's studies shows the monstrosities done to groups of people that are not talked about in depth in history books. When a person learns the ins and outs of the ways people have been oppressed and broken down, it helps them realize that this could just as easily have happened to them. In a society where we have the common mindset not to care if it’s not affecting you, this major and these classes show the way that this ideology is wrong.

4. It’s not just about women or gender.

Although the bulk of the required classes are about sexuality, women or gender, there are so many more to choose from with elective options. There are classes about race relations, muslims in the modern world, violence in the home and how violence shapes our culture, just to name a few. In women’s studies there is a class for everyone, no matter what or who you want to learn about.

5. It’s for everyone.

Men, women and everyone in between are welcome and accepted into women’s studies classes. These classes have the largest array of people I have ever seen in any classroom. So many genders, sexualities, religions and backgrounds are represented. In many ways, these classes are thought of as only having women in them. This is simply false. Women's studies have many men (at least on CU Boulder’s progressive campus) that are actively engaged and participating in the conversation. Women in the class welcome these men with open arms. The people in these classes want men to be a part of the conversation. Not to belittle, blame, or gang up on them but to hear their opinions and views because most of these people that study this area believe that this gender dichotomy works for no one.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24655
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10288
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7545
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments