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: Sangeeta Tyagi, PhD’93
“The pandemic and recent political developments have revealed the fragility of the gains made by women and by LGBTQIA+ communities in recent years. At this time, the need for policy professionals with a keen understanding of how gender, sexuality, race, and socio-economic class intersect to shape all women’s lives, is more important than ever.”
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 309f, Policy Approaches to Gender-Based Violence
- HS 320f, LGBTQ+ Justice: A History of Pride, Prejudice, and Policy in the United States
- 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 105b, Feminisms: History, Theory and Practice
- WGS 151a, The Social Politics of Sexual Education
- WGS 166a, Gender, Sexuality and Social Media
- WGS 205a, Graduate Foundational Course in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- WGS 208b, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Research Seminar
- SOC 133b, Sociology of Reproduction
- PSYC 160b, Seminar on Sex Differences