University of New England

Women’s studies is a rigorous, interdisciplinary field that focuses centrally on the roles, contributions, and experiences of women, past and present.

Through exploring the social construction of gender in a variety of cultural contexts, it aims to improve understanding of the situations of both women and men. Its goals include not only recognizing women of all backgrounds as whole and productive human beings, but also, through this, providing a more accurate and equitable account of human experience.

As a field or "interdiscipline," women’s studies has evolved knowledge, theory, methodology, pedagogy, and organizational models appropriate to that vision. Through a range of disciplinary approaches, it recognizes the connections between academy and community, theory and practice, mind and body, individual and society.

Although women’s studies developed out of the women’s movement in the 1960s and 1970s, it has evolved into a comprehensive field of study and a vital part of university education nationwide.

Complementing and building on the traditional humanities and social science offerings of the University of New England College of Arts and Sciences, the UNE women’s studies minor incorporates many of the themes of our Core Curriculum and exposes students to the scholarly traditions of many fields of knowledge. Its interdisciplinary perspective invites students to synthesize their undergraduate education through the lens of gender and related issues.

The minor in women’s studies is open to all students and is designed to make visible the coursework that students are already doing. It allows students formally to indicate a concentration in this field.

For more information on UNE’s women’s studies minor, contact Elizabeth De Wolfe, Department of History, 207-283-0170, extension 2322, or Jennifer Tuttle, Department of English, extension 4433.