Combining research, teaching, and activism focusing on the intersections among gender, sexuality, race and class.
Catalog Year: 2022-2023
Banner Code: LA-MAIS-ISIN-WGST
The MAIS in interdisciplinary studies is for students who seek a master's degree that integrates knowledge from several disciplines. It addresses the rapidly evolving demand for unique graduate study by promoting advanced scholarship that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students can pursue one of the following structured interdisciplinary concentrations and also have the opportunity to design an individualized concentration to meet the special needs of their careers.
The MAIS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability is a Green Leaf program.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Total credits: 36
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Students pursuing this degree must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate coursework in a concentration. Students must submit a curriculum worksheet that has been approved by their concentration head and the director. All students complete their work in the program with a project or thesis
The concentration in women and gender studies promotes advanced scholarship that transcends traditional boundaries. Students combine required coursework in feminist theory, feminist research methods, critical race theory, queer and sexuality studies, and transnational feminisms with elective course offerings in disciplines such as history, literature, sociology, anthropology, health, education, philosophy, social work, conflict analysis and resolution, or the arts. The program accommodates both full-time and part-time students.
Of the coursework required for this concentration as described below, at least 21 credits must be in core courses related to the study of women and gender. Students must earn a grade of B- or higher in the core courses.
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking the MAIS degree and a master's degree in another discipline should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies regarding Individualized Dual Master's Degree Programs.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 696 | MAIS ProSeminar | 1 |
| Total Credits | 1 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
| WMST 610 | Feminist Research Methods | 3 |
| Students take one course from each of the following areas. 1 | 9 | |
|
Critical Race Studies (3 credits)
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| Critical Race Studies | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (when topic is Black Psychology) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is Gender, Race, Reform 1800-1920, Gender, Race and Lynching or Gender and Racial Idealogy in Jim Crow) | ||
|
Bodies and Sexualities (3 credits)
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| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (when topic is Feminist Ecopolitics or Gender, Race and Animal Rights) | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
|
Transnational and Global Perspectives (3 credits)
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| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Sociology of Globalization | ||
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
| 1 |
Students may take additional courses from these areas and count them toward their elective credits. |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students take 12-15 credits in elective courses that address the study of women and gender and that are not taken as part of the core focus. | 12-15 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (can be repeated for credit) | ||
| Special Topics (can be repeated for credit) | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Feminist Research Practice (not required but highly recommended) | ||
| Internship | ||
|
Other relevant courses from other disciplines chosen in consultation with concentration head
|
||
| Total Credits | 12-15 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 797 | Interdisciplinary Studies Proposal | 1 |
| Total Credits | 1 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 1-4 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 1 credit) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 4 credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 1-4 | |
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking philosophy and another discipline should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies regarding Individualized Dual Master's Degree Programs. Students approved to pursue dual master's study linking the MA philosophy degree and the Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS with a concentration in women and gender studies will complete WMST 630 Feminist Theories across the Disciplines/PHIL 658 Feminist Theory and 3 additional credits of WMST courses approved by the Department of Philosophy to apply to the philosophy degree as elective credit. Six credits of approved PHIL credits will apply to the MAIS degree as elective credit. Application to the second master's program should be pursued with consultation of the directors of both programs. Admission to the second master's program will require that the student has met the minimum prerequisites for admission to the second program. If a student lacks the minimum prerequisites and seeks to be admitted to a second master's program, the director of the second program may identify ways in which the prerequisite can be completed prior to admission.