Gender, Sexuality, & Women's Studies, BA: Global Gender and Sexuality Studies
This concentration is for students interested in exploring transnational feminist and queer approaches to scholarship in a variety of fields. Recent concentrations in this area have focused on global health policy, transnational literary critique, and transnational approaches to queer studies.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 33. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: https://gsws.sas.upenn.edu/
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| GSWS 0002 | Gender and Society | 1 |
| GSWS 0003 | Introduction to Sexuality Studies and Queer Theory | 1 |
| GSWS Theory Course: | 1 | |
Or courses by permission of Program Associate Director | ||
| Global Gender and Sexuality Studies Concentration Requirements | ||
| Select 5 courses with 4 courses in at least two different departments | 5 | |
Or courses by permission of Program Associate Director | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 4 elective courses: | 4 | |
GSWS 0000-4999 | ||
Or courses by permission of Program Associate Director | ||
| Reseach/Capstone Requirement | 1 | |
| GSWS Honors Thesis Seminar | ||
GSWS 4999:9999 | ||
Or courses by permission of Program Associate Director | ||
| Total Course Units | 33 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
Honors
Students with an overall GPA of 3.4 and 3.6 or better in the major are eligible for honors. Honors students must take a total of 2 credit units of Thesis Seminar.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| GSWS 4000 | GSWS Honors Thesis Seminar | 1 |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| Fall Courses | 4 | |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring Courses | 4 | |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall Courses | 4.5 | |
| Course Units | 4.50 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring Courses | 4.5 | |
| Course Units | 4.50 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall Courses | 4 | |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring Courses | 4 | |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall Courses | 4 | |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring Courses | 4 | |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 33.00 | |