Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies : College of Humanities & Fine Arts : UMass Amherst

One of the oldest programs of its kind, women, gender, sexuality studies (WGSS) examines our society through the lens of gender, class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, and ability and challenges students to interrogate systems of power through discussion and integrative analysis. Our teaching and activism develop new theoretical approaches and engage and transform the analytical tools of many fields of study. We encourage critical thinking across disciplines, including art, history, politics, family life, science, literature, and other cultural domains.

At WGSS, we pride ourselves on inspiring and innovative teaching. Most of our classes are small and each student works one-on-one with a faculty advisor. Our faculty conduct research and teach on diverse areas, including body politics, social justice feminism, transgender studies, Black feminist thought, South Asian studies, and postcolonial feminism.

The WGSS major can aid students in a broad array of careers, wherever critical thinking, communication, research, and analytical skills are required, including political action, law, human services, government, business, education, writing, journalism, and health.

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Featured faculty

See all Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies faculty

Kiran Asher

Department Chair, Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies
Professor

Kiran Asher is the chair and a professor in the women, gender, sexuality studies department.

Kiran Asher, Professor, Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies, UMass Amherst

Miliann Kang

Graduate Program Director, Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies
Professor

Miliann Kang’s areas of expertise include feminist ethnography and contemplative pedagogies in the feminist classroom.

Miliann Kang, Professor, Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies, UMass Amherst

Laura Ciolkowski

Associate Graduate Program Director, Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies
Senior Lecturer

Laura Ciolkowski’s interests include critical prison studies, 19th and 20th century literature, literary and cultural theory, sexual and gender-based violence.