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WOMEN'S STUDIES

Jennifer McKinney, Director, Sociology Department

As an institution that centers its mission in the historical Christian faith, Seattle Pacific University affirms that women are created in God’s image, redeemed by Christ and called to lives of scholarship, service and leadership. Prompted by that affirmation, SPU offers an interdisciplinary women’s studies minor and welcomes both male and female students to pursue it. The primary goals of the women’s studies minor are (1) to establish in the campus community an awareness of the overlooked values, neglected contributions and marginalized perspectives of women; (2) to assure that students have the time and opportunity to explore women’s issues fully in light of the Christian faith; and (3) to provide resources for incorporating women’s issues and contributions into other pertinent disciplinary courses.

The women’s studies minor provides a course of study that stretches across disciplines, encouraging interdisciplinary thought and scholarship. It teaches skills of critical analysis, problem solving, and value reasoning. Because of its adaptable course requirements and final project, the minor can be designed in such a way as to complement majors in areas such as sociology, psychology, religion, history, communication, English, foreign languages, political science, family and consumer sciences, and business.

Admission to the Women’s Studies Minor
Applicants for a minor in women’s studies must have (1) sophomore standing; (2) a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all college work applicable to the B.A.; and (3) a grade of at least a C- in WST/SOC 2350 Introduction to Women’s Studies. Application can be made at either the English or the sociology offices.

Requirements for the Women’s Studies Minor
The women’s studies minor consists of at least 30 credits, of which 15 must be upper-division. Course requirements include WST 2350 Introduction to Women’s Studies, at least one course from each of four core areas and a final independent study that consists of an integrative paper, project, or internship.

Note: Not all courses are offered every year. Check the Online Time Schedule for current offerings. Information concerning additional courses that will fulfill requirements for the minor is available from the women’s studies’ director.