Degree Programs

Both programs draw on resources and departments in the humanities and social sciences. Classes are discussion-based and knowledge gained is both intellectual and experiential in nature.

• Women’s and Gender Studies major
• Women’s and Gender Studies minor

By completing a degree in Women's and Gender Studies, students develop insights and skills to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression in communities, institutions, organizations, families, and relationships. Specifically, students will:

• Understand the impact of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ableness and class in defining self and worldview
• Replace subordination/domination and dependence/exploitation with feminist awareness and critique, to reveal underlying assumptions
• Move from being objects of study to be subjects and researchers with a voice of your own
• Examine what women have done, are doing and will do
• Seek a link between voice, empowerment, self-esteem and critical thinking

Program Outcomes

Hope College students completing a Women’s and Gender Studies degree will:

• Demonstrate an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural understanding of the creation, meaning, function and perpetuation of gender in human societies, both past and present
• Acquire and demonstrate competence in critical thinking, writing and oral expression within the field of women’s and gender studies
• Cultivate intrapersonal awareness and interpersonal skills needed to be competent global citizens
• Understand feminist research methods and apply them to scholarship and praxis on topics related to women, gender and/or sexuality
• Develop a deeper understanding of the intersection of feminism and the historic Christian faith