GET INVOLVED

WGSS offers both a major and a minor, and most students combine it with another field like English, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Health Medicine & Society, or really anything else you’re interested in. That’s one of the things I love about WGSS - it complements and enriches whatever else you’re studying because these questions about power and identity show up everywhere.

To declare the WGSS major or minor:

Reach out to the Director of Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies (Prof. Mary Foltz) to set up a meeting. You’ll talk about your interests, what you’re hoping to get out of WGSS, and create a plan that works for you. Then you’ll complete the declaration form through your academic dean’s office. It’s honestly a pretty straightforward process, and the faculty are incredibly supportive.

You can find detailed information about major and minor requirements on the WGSS department website: https://programs.cas.lehigh.edu/wgss

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Not sure if WGSS is for you? Just take a course and see what happens. That’s how I started - I took one class out of curiosity and ended up declaring the major. No pressure to commit to anything, just try it out.

Start Here:

WGSS 001: Introduction to Women’s Studies

This is where most students begin, and it’s a great entry point. You’ll get an overview of feminist theory, intersectionality, and how gender shapes society, culture, and institutions. The course introduces you to key concepts and thinkers in the field and honestly just helps you understand what WGSS is actually about. If you’re even remotely curious, this is the class to take.

WGSS also offers tons of cross-listed courses in other departments - English, History, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Health Medicine & Society. These let you study gender and identity within your specific field of interest, which is really cool.

Find Course Listings:

For a complete list of current WGSS courses, check the course catalog: https://catalog.lehigh.edu/coursesprogramsandcurricula/artsandsciences/womengenderandsexualitystudies/

Or just email the WGSS department and ask for recommendations based on what you’re interested in. The faculty are super helpful about this.

Honestly, the WGSS faculty are some of the most passionate, supportive professors I’ve encountered at Lehigh. They genuinely care about students and are always willing to talk, whether you’re thinking about declaring the major or just curious about a topic.

Professor Mary Foltz (Head of WGSS)

Specializes in: Feminist & Queer Theory, LGBTQ+ Studies

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Professor Foltz is amazing. Her classes are challenging but so rewarding, and she’s incredibly supportive of student work.

For a full list of WGSS faculty and what they teach, visit: (link)

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors with questions. They regularly meet with prospective students and are genuinely happy to talk about the program, specific courses, or how WGSS might fit with your interests.

WGSS is part of a bigger community at Lehigh focused on gender, identity, and justice. These resources can help you explore and get involved.

Gender, Leadership & Empowerment Center (GLE)

The GLE is where I’m doing my fellowship, and it’s such a welcoming space. They support students exploring gender, identity, and leadership through programs, events, and community building. Whether you’re interested in WGSS academically or just want to engage with these topics, the GLE is a great resource.

Website:

The Pride Center

The Pride Center supports LGBTQ+ students and hosts programs related to gender identity and sexuality. There’s a lot of overlap between the WGSS and Pride Center communities, and they do great work.

Website: https://inclusivebelonging.lehigh.edu/pride-center

Throughout the semester, the department hosts guest lectures, film screenings, discussion groups, and other events that are open to everyone. You don’t have to be a WGSS major to come - these are just great opportunities to learn and engage. Check the WGSS website or follow their social media for what’s coming up.

Seriously, if you’re curious about anything - whether WGSS is right for you, what specific courses are like, how the major/minor works, what you can do with it after graduation - just reach out. People are here to help.

Contact the WGSS Department:

Email:

Or contact me directly:

I’m honestly happy to talk about my experience with WGSS, answer questions about specific courses, or just chat about the program. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ashley Witkowski

Email: asw228@lehigh.edu