Areas of Research

The Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS) offers a dynamic interdisciplinary graduate program for MA and PhD students. We welcome students whose research interests lie in one or more of GSWS’ recognized research areas, listed below:

• Feminist, queer, and critical race theory;
• Health and embodiment;
• Representation and cultural production;
• Globalization, equity and social structures;
• Sexuality;
• Black studies.

Within these research areas, core and affiliate faculty members provide expertise and teach graduate courses on a range of topics using interdisciplinary and intersectional perspectives.

GSWS faculty members and students are active in creating a vibrant culture of feminist scholarship and activism at Western, which includes a visiting speaker series, an annual conference on contemporary themes developed by GSWS faculty, and an annual undergraduate conference (Flaunting It).

Our program supports students’ development as feminist researchers and educators by:

• integrating professional development into our required coursework (MA and PhD) and candidacy process (PhD);
• offering multiple opportunities for students to get involved in organizing and participating in GSWS conferences and events.