Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Women's and Gender Studies program at the University of Toronto Scarborough is an interdisciplinary program that explores the intersections of gender, race, sexuality, class, age, disability, nationality, and other relations of power that shape multiple social and cultural differences and inequalities. It integrates theory and practice by introducing students to scholarship from a wide range of intellectual perspectives and challenges them to work for change and equality in their communities and daily lives.

Program Details

• Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities
• Complementary Programs: Health Studies, Sociology, International Development Studies, History

Competencies & Skills

• Gather, review, interpret, and organize information
  • Develop cross-cultural awareness
  • Edit and proofread material
  • Evaluate ideas, theories, and evidence
  • Observe and compare people/data/things
  • Interpret historical ideas in a modern context
  • Synthesize a large amount of information

Careers for Graduates

• Policy or Research Analyst in Government
• Researcher/Analyst/Outreach in advocacy and community groups
• Community or Social Service work
• Research Associate/Market Researcher
• Public Relations Coordinator
• Publishing
• Event Organizer
• Equity Advisor

Further Education

• Women’s and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Education
• Public Health
• Public Policy and Administration
• Advocacy and Social Justice
• Public Service
• Law School
• Paralegal Studies
• Human Resources

Program Pathway

The program pathway is structured over four years, with specific course requirements and recommendations for each year.

Year 1

• Choose courses wisely, including WSTA01H3 and WSTA03H3.
• Explore different kinds of courses to fulfill breadth requirements and electives.
• Develop academic and research skills through workshops and appointments with the Program Librarian.
• Apply theory to practice by attending the Women’s and Gender Studies Open House and building the Co-Curricular Record (CCR).
• Become an engaged citizen by getting involved with the Women’s and Gender Studies Students Association (WGSSA) and exploring other relevant student clubs and activities.
• Plan for the future career by volunteering with organizations and attending the UTSC Get Experience Fair.

Year 2

• Choose courses wisely, including WSTB05H3 and WSTB11H3, and consider taking requirements listed under Year 3 if prerequisites are met.
• Develop academic and research skills further by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
• Apply theory to practice by getting involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus.
• Become an engaged citizen by checking for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus and reading the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies newsletter.
• Plan for the future career by connecting with professors and advisors and exploring careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.

Year 3

• Choose courses wisely, including WSTC02H3, and ensure completion of an additional 0.5 credit at the C-level in WST courses.
• Develop academic and research skills by considering competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum and participating in the annual Women’s and Gender Studies symposium of student research.
• Apply theory to practice by building on skills and knowledge through relevant events offered by the department, student groups, and AA&CC.
• Become an engaged citizen by running for an elected position in the HCSSA, WGSSA, and/or Women’s and Trans Centre and looking into volunteering or working overseas.
• Plan for the future career by running for an elected position and looking into volunteering or working overseas to expand the network.

Year 4

• Choose courses wisely, ensuring completion of 1.0 credit at the D-level in WST courses, including 0.5 credit from specified courses.
• Develop academic and research skills by applying for the Conference and Research Travel Fund and attending the Summer & Full-time Job Fair.
• Apply theory to practice by attending the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference and discussing grad school plans with professors and AA&CC staff.
• Become an engaged citizen by participating in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program and attending a Jobs for Grads orientation.
• Plan for the future career by attending the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference and discussing grad school plans.

Glossary

• AACC: Academic Advising and Career Centre
• CCR: Co-Curricular Record
• CLNx: Career Co-Curricular Learning Network
• CTL: Centre for Teaching and Learning
• DSL: Department of Student Life
• HCSSA: Historical and Cultural Studies Student Association
• ISC: International Student Centre
• SCSU: Scarborough Campus Students Union
• WGSSA: Women and Gender Studies Student Association
• WST: Women and Gender Studies

Departmental Information

The Women's and Gender Studies program is supported by various departments and resources, including the Academic Advising & Career Centre, Department of Student Life, and the Women's and Trans Centre. The program aims to inspire inclusive excellence and provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for careers and further education in a wide range of fields.