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Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
This master of arts (MA) program offers interdisciplinary study and research leading to a master's degree. The program provides a strong academic approach, with core courses on feminist theory and methodology and a blend of advanced studies in specific fields, as well as directed readings for more individualized study. Students develop and demonstrate intellectual and analytical skills, in accordance with the particular criteria of the level of study, and in consultation with their supervisor and supervisory committee.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. The Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS) minimum requirement for admission to the MA is a BA (BSc) with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 for the thesis option, and a minimum CGPA of 3.0 for the course intensive option, from a recognized university. MA student will be admitted into a specific option (thesis or course intensive) and so should apply to the preferred option. A student can change from one option to another only with the approval of the graduate program committee. A student can transfer to the thesis option only if there is a suitable supervisor available.
Students will be accepted into the MA thesis option only if a suitable supervisor is willing to supervise them. Supervisors will be selected from joint GSWS appointees and continuing faculty on the coordinating committee of the department including associate members.
A student with incomplete academic preparation for the MA program may be required to complete up to 12 units of undergraduate course work in either the GSWS or another relevant program prior to commencing their MA.
Program Requirements
Thesis Option
This program option consists of course work and a thesis for a minimum of 38 units.
Students must complete
An interdisciplinary seminar introducing a variety of methodological approaches to research in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Students will examine the theories, purpose, scope, and strategies for feminist approaches to research. Students will study examples of research and criticism from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on rigorous and creative approaches to research design, as well as practical application of research methods. Students will apply methods studied in the course to their own areas of concentration.
Workshop designed to support professional development, networking and foster mutuality of research interests. Includes topics on research skill development, academic and public dissemination of work, practical tips for career advancement and presentations of works in progress. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Helen Leung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Workshop designed to support professional development, networking and foster mutuality of research interests. Includes topics on research skill development, academic and public dissemination of work, practical tips for career advancement and presentations of works in progress. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
This course will analyze and compare major feminist social and political theories, including those that have emerged from liberal, socialist and radical feminist traditions. The relationship among theories of sexism and political goals and practices will be discussed.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Jennifer Marchbank |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
and an additional 4 units of graduate courses*
and a thesis
Course Intensive Option
This program option consists of courses and a field examination for a minimum of 36 units.
Students must complete
Workshop designed to support professional development, networking and foster mutuality of research interests. Includes topics on research skill development, academic and public dissemination of work, practical tips for career advancement and presentations of works in progress. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Helen Leung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Workshop designed to support professional development, networking and foster mutuality of research interests. Includes topics on research skill development, academic and public dissemination of work, practical tips for career advancement and presentations of works in progress. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
This course will analyze and compare major feminist social and political theories, including those that have emerged from liberal, socialist and radical feminist traditions. The relationship among theories of sexism and political goals and practices will be discussed.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Jennifer Marchbank |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
and one of
An interdisciplinary seminar introducing a variety of methodological approaches to research in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Students will examine the theories, purpose, scope, and strategies for feminist approaches to research. Students will study examples of research and criticism from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on rigorous and creative approaches to research design, as well as practical application of research methods. Students will apply methods studied in the course to their own areas of concentration.
An examination of the formation, development, and current direction in the fields of queer and trans theory. Students will study the influence of feminism on both fields, the emergence of formative questions and key debates, and critical challenges posed by colonial histories, globalization of LGBT identities, and transnational/local taxonomies.
and an additional 14 units of graduate courses*
and a field examination
*Two of these courses may be from gender, sexuality, and women's studies courses at the universities under the Western Deans’ Agreement or relevant offerings in other Simon Fraser University departments, with the approval of the student's supervisory committee.
Program Length
Students in the course intensive option are normally expected to complete the program requirements in four to six terms. Students in the thesis option are normally expected to complete the program requirements in six to eight terms.
Other Information
Supervisory Committee
Upon admission, the student will be assigned a two member supervisory committee which has the responsibility for ensuring that the student fulfils all degree requirements. For further information concerning requirements, consult the department's graduate secretary or graduate chair.
Please consult the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies website for more information.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.