Analyzing the intersection of gender, race, sexual identity, socioeconomic class, and culture
The women, gender and sexuality (WGS) concentration explores a broad range of issues, including LGBTQIA+ identities and representation and the social and economic position of women in the U.S. Using an intersectional approach that incorporates race, class, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, age, ability, and nationality, students learn to evaluate and critique policy initiatives that intersect with gender and sexuality in order to decrease gender- and sexuality-based disparities that are created by structural inequality.
Students in the WGS concentration engage in rigorous coursework and pursue career-building opportunities through internships and fellowships, putting them in an immediate position to take their careers to the next level. Graduates of the women, gender and sexuality concentration learn to bring a gendered lens to every aspect of their work, landing jobs in policy, research, and practice organizations as policy analysts, legislative analysts and policy fellows. Others go on to PhD programs.
Connection to Brandeis Research
Heller coordinates with the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program at Brandeis, as well as the Gender and Sexuality Center. In addition, students have the opportunity to enroll in classes at other universities in the Boston area, and to participate in the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality.
Concentration Chair: Sarah Soroui, PhD’19
“Women and LGBTQIA+ communities, whose full participation and citizenship are increasingly under threat, remain at the heart of our work. We prepare students to transform pressing challenges these communities face into actionable policy and strategies by equipping them with the skills to navigate policy and bureaucratic systems, engage stakeholders, and build coalitions and partnerships that advance equity and mitigate the harms caused by shifting political landscapes and policy rollbacks.”
Course Requirements
- The full spectrum of MPP core courses
- The following specialized courses:
- Additional course(s) selected from the following list in consultation with a faculty advisor
- HS 273f, Law and Social Justice: Gender Equity Policies and Litigation
- HS 334a, Child and Family Policy
- HS 528f, Law and Social Justice: Constructions of Race and Ethnicity and Their Consequences
- HS 534b, Perspectives on Economic and Racial Equity
- WGS 107a, Indigenous Feminisms and 2S-Indigiqueer Studies
- WGS 151a, The Social Politics of Sexual Education
- WGS 166a, Gender, Sexuality and Social Media
- POL/WGS125a, Gender in American Politics
- SOC 133b, Sociology of Reproduction
- PSYC 160b, Seminar on Sex Differences