the major in gender and women’s studies at western michigan university, whether taken with a minor or combined with a second major, will prepare you for success in a world that still struggles around issues of gender. through course work and activities outside the classroom, majors explore why gender is contested, how it continually intersects with other identities and the ways in which it corresponds to power. all majors take two required courses—introduction to gender and women's studies and foundations of feminist theory—as well as courses in four categories to achieve a depth of advanced knowledge. studies are rounded out with electives. to sign up for the major and to learn more about course options, meet with an advisor in the department of gender and women's studies.