Studies in Women & Gender
Mailing Address:
Studies in Women & Gender
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400172
Charlottesville, VA USA
22904-4172
Physical Address:
227 Minor Hall
Charlottesville, VA

Major Requirements

A Major in Studies in Women and Gender (SWAG) requires the completion of 10 courses (30 credits). At least five of these courses must carry a SWAG mnemonic (to include combined SWAG courses). At least seven courses must be at the 3000 level or above.

All SWAG Majors must complete the following required courses:

1. SWAG 2100 Introduction to Gender Studies

2. Either SWAG 3810 Feminist Theory or SWAG 3800 Queer Theory

3. SWAG 4050 Studies in Women and Gender Senior Seminar

4. One SWAG course designated as concentrating on Global Perspectives .

The completion of (1) SWAG 2100 and (2) either SWAG 3810 or SWAG 3800 are a prerequisite for admission to SWAG 4050 (Senior Seminar). A minimum grade of C must be earned in any course counted toward the Major. Courses counting toward the SWAG Major may include up to two courses designated as adjunct courses and up to two Independent Study courses. An adjunct course is one in which gender is a significant focus, but whose central focus is not on women or gender. Three SWAG courses may be “double-counted” toward a major in another department; that is, three SWAG courses taken for another Major can also count toward the SWAG Major.

Distinguished Majors Program

Majors in Studies in Women and Gender (SWAG) with a strong academic record are encouraged to become Distinguished Majors. Distinguished Majors complete a two-semester written thesis (approximately 40-60 pages in length) in their fourth year under the supervision of a SWAG faculty member. The thesis allows students to pursue their own interests in depth and have the intellectual satisfaction of defining and completing a sustained project. The Distinguished Major and Senior Thesis is an especially good option for students considering graduate level work in any field.

To be eligible, students must have a 3.400 overall GPA at the start of their fourth year. Students pursuing the Senior Thesis are encouraged to consider enrolling in SWAG 3820 Feminist Methodologies. Students are required to sign up for a 6-credit course, SWAG 4998 and 4999, under the supervision of a SWAG faculty member. The thesis must also be approved by a second faculty member whom the student will choose in consultation with the thesis advisor.

The 6-credit senior thesis course will count toward the 30 credits required for the Major. Successful completion of the thesis qualifies the student for graduation with Distinction, High Distinction, or Highest Distinction, depending upon the recommendation of the two faculty advisors, and subject to approval of the College’s Committee on Special Programs.

An early start is important to the successful completion of a Senior Thesis. While not required, it is recommended that students make the decision to pursue the Distinguished Majors Program during their third year. This will give them the opportunity to discuss the project with various faculty members, determine suitable advisors, and have the summer between the third and fourth years to define their project further and begin some preliminary reading and planning. Students choosing to pursue the thesis should complete a DMP enrollment form in the first semester of their final year.

Application Form (PDF, 117 KB)