Although a degree in Women's/Gender Studies is not available, many courses are offered at UCC. Women’s/Gender Studies courses recognize the increasingly important role that women have played and will continue to play in the numerous and diverse disciplines. Women’s/Gender Studies is interdisciplinary and examines both the “natural” or biological differences and the social, cultural, political, historical, and economic factors that produce differences in how women live and are perceived in the world. These differences manifest themselves not only in the everyday life of men and women but also in the functioning of our social institutions and systems of thought and representation. Specifically, the students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Communicate effectively with others in a diverse society.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diverse factors that shape the world, including gender and sexuality, in order to keep pace with contemporary issues in an ever-changing society.
- Learn independently and direct their own course of learning and specialization and be able to present those findings to a group of peers.
- Recognize the basic differences of gender and sexuality and understand that there are dynamic social definitions that vary across time, place, politics and ideologies.
- Discuss the fact that all the disciplines have been affected by the engendered historical and political contexts and even the sciences are not as impartial, objective, or neutral as has traditionally been thought.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the important female figures within the various disciplines.
- Recognize the need for continuing efforts to assure equality of women and other minorities in society.
Women’s/Gender Studies courses are inherently appealing as they reflect the dynamic nature and growth of the field and the various intellectual interests of students. In various courses, students will have the opportunity to explore and reflect on women’s issues and contributions in health, biology, mathematics, politics, literature, education, economics, media, psychology, and much more.
UCC graduates who have taken some of these courses have the opportunity to matriculate at four year colleges, pursuing either a baccalaureate degree in Women’s Studies or other possible majors such as Psychology, Sociology, Communications, and Education. There are over 700 Women’s Study Programs currently being offered worldwide. In New Jersey, there are close to twenty baccalaureate degree programs in Women’s Studies. Students graduating with a BA or MA in Women’s Studies can find job opportunities in a variety of fields, including: the government and social services, non-profit organizations, communications and public relations, the media, research, education, law, health and human services fields, and other business environments.