Skip to Content

Department Overview

The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the diverse experiences of women in both national and international contexts. The Department also examines the meaning of gender as a socially constructed category that shapes personal identities, beliefs, opportunities, and behaviors. The wide range of classes explores the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality; the institutional structures that have an impact on women’s and men’s lives; and the broad range of feminist theory that seeks to explain and influence women’s status in society. Among the areas of emphasis in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies are gender and sexuality, queer studies, third world feminism, cultural representation and literature, women and labor, feminist theory, critical race feminism, immigration and citizenship, and social activism.

Core and affiliated faculty in the Department come from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives including history, literature, anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental studies, ethnic studies, philosophy, religious studies, architecture and fine arts, music, romance and Germanic languages, political science, public policy, and law.

The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers students:

  • Unique opportunities to participate in internships in the community and to pursue individual research projects;
  • Ability to engage in participatory learning and teaching experiences in feminist pedagogy seminars and as discussion facilitators for the introductory class; and
  • Close interaction with faculty, individualized guidance and advising, and courses that prepare them for employment and/or further education in graduate schools or professional schools of law, medicine, teaching, or social work.

COVID-19 Response

We know that this is a very difficult time for many of you and we are dedicated to ensuring your academic success. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors or our department at wgs@uoregon.edu for assistance. For additional information on student resources available during COVID-19 visit our Student Resources page.


Book Launch & Event Discussion

Join us at the Book Launch & Discussion on February 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm in EMU Gumwood Room #245.

Isabel Millán is Assistant Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Oregon. She is the author of the recently published book, Coloring into Existence: Queer of Color Worldmaking in Children’s Literature, which recovers a genealogy of queer and trans of color picture books across North America.

The event will feature special guests:

Sonia Alejandra Rodríguez, Professor of English (CUNY) Maude Hines, Professor of English & Black Studies (PSU) Ernesto ...

Dr. Millán’s most recently published book: Coloring Into Existence: Queer of Color Worldmaking in Children’s Literature

Dr. Isabel Millán recently published the book Coloring Into Existence: Queer of Color Worldmaking in Children’s Literature.

The book explores the curious ways that queer and trans of color publications “color outside the lines”— refusing to conform to industry standards, intermixing fiction with nonfiction, and mobilizing alternative modes of production and distribution to create new worlds.

Information about the book is available at  NYU Press’ online space, “The Square”. Additionally, the book was also featured in Lambda Literary’s “Most ...

State of the Field: Dr. Patti Duncan

Dr. Patti Duncan, Oregon State University Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 2-3:30 PM Reception to Follow Gerlinger Alumni Lounge 1468 University St., Eugene Please join us for a conversation about the past, present, and futures of the field of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Dr. Patti Duncan, editor of Feminist Formations and professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities at Oregon State University, will address how feminist knowledge and praxis have enabled diverse communities in the U.S. and around the world to create solidarity, empowerment, and more livable futures where ...