What is queer studies?
Queer studies is an interdisciplinary minor that invites you to explore basic questions about gender,sexual identities and social justice while examining the diverse experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and allied people in various cultures and communities as well as across historical eras. The intersection of gender and sexuality with race and ethnicity, social class, language and disability permeates the curriculum; class topics range from film, sports and fashion to discourse, politics and theory. Combine a minor in queer studies with a major to enhance your understanding of gender and sexuality for a range of careers or graduate studies.
Why study queer studies at UNH?
The queer studies minor will provide you with a sense of community, excellent advising and mentoring,and opportunities to apply what you learn through internships at innovative organizations both on and off campus. The queer studies minor offers you a structured yet flexible undergraduate program on cutting-edge subjects, bridging theory and applied studies, and tailored to your academic or professional interests. The curriculum includes foundational courses and a long list of elective courses across many disciplines, and includes contributions from faculty in a variety of programs.
Potential career areas
- Arts/music
- Business
- Communications/public relations
- Community organizing/advocacy
- Education
- Government and non-governmental organizations
- Healthcare/public health
- Journalism
- Law
- Social work/counseling
- Sustainability/conservation
- Writing
Curriculum & Requirements
The queer studies minor provides students with opportunities to research and understand a rapidly growing field whose focus is the study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and allied peoples, their histories and cultures. Queer studies is a method of inquiry that explores the role of same-sex desire and constructions of gender across and among cultures and histories. In these classes, students will consider sexualities and genders as identities and social statuses, as categories of knowledge, and as lenses that help to frame how we understand our world. The minor consists of interdisciplinary coursework in queer studies. Students who wish to pursue the queer studies minor should consult with Holly Cashman.
The queer studies minor requires 5 courses (20 credits) from the queer studies course offerings list below. One pre-approved elective from the electives list below may count toward the minor.
A grade of C- or better is required in all queer studies courses. Courses taken Pass/Fail may not be used for the minor. No more than 8 credits used to satisfy the requirements for a major may be used for the queer studies minor. If you wish to substitute a different course, consult with a queer studies faculty advisor.
Please note that additional courses may count toward the minor. Visit the program's website for the most up-to-date information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Queer Studies Course Offerings | ||
| Select Five Courses | ||
| ANTH 625 | Sexuality in Cross-Cultural Perspectives | 4 |
| ANTH 685 | Gender, Sexuality and HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa | 4 |
| CMN 697 | Seminar in Rhetorical Study | 4 |
| ENGL 693 | Special Topics in Literature | 4 |
| HDFS 746 | Human Sexuality | 4 |
| HDFS 757/857 | Race, Class, Gender, and Families | 4 |
| HIST 497 | Explorations in Historical Perspectives | 4 |
| HIST 595 | Explorations (Only topics Gender and Sexuality in Pre-Modern Europe; Sex and Sexuality in Islamic History) | 1-4 |
| HIST 665 | Themes in Women's History | 4 |
| HUMA 401 | Introduction to the Humanities | 4 |
| PSYC 595 | Applications of Psychology (Research, Field, or Academic Experience) | 1-4 |
| SOC 520 | Family | 4 |
| SOC 570 | Sexual Behavior | 4 |
| SW 715/815 | Affirming Practice with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ People | 4 |
| WS 405 | Gender, Power and Privilege | 4 |
| WS #444 | Trans/Forming Gender | 4 |
| WS 505 | Survey in Women's Studies (Only topics Violence Against Women; Gender, Race and Sexuality in Visual Culture) | 4 |
| WS 632 | Feminist Thought (depending on instructor) | 4 |
| WS 795 | Independent Study (or other departmental designation) | 1-4 |
| WS 798 | Colloquium (Only topics Race, Gender, and Representation; Gay Marriage and Kinship; Women in Prison) | 4 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| Require program approval and may vary by instructor. | ||
| CMN 567 | Gender, Race, and Class in the Media | 4 |
| CMN 697 | Seminar in Rhetorical Study | 4 |
| ENGL 618 | Film Theory | 4 |
| HDFS 545 | Intimate Relationships and Families | 4 |
| HUMA 401 | Introduction to the Humanities | 4 |
| SOC 570 | Sexual Behavior | 4 |
| SOC 697 | Special Topics (Only topic Women, Health, and Illness) | 4 |
| SW 840 | Implications of Race, Culture, and Oppression for Social Work Practice | 3 |
| WS 401 | Introduction to Women's Studies | 4 |
| WS 444A | Race Matters | 4 |
| WS 632 | Feminist Thought | 4 |
| WS 796 | Advanced Topics | 4 |
| WS 797 | Internship | 4 |
| WS 798 | Colloquium (Only topic Violence Against Women/Activism) | 4 |
