Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Master of Arts Program
Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women鈥檚 Studies | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
丁香园AV Calendar 2012 Spring
This master of arts (MA) program offers interdisciplinary study and research leading to a master鈥檚 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 senior supervisor and supervisory committee.
丁香园AV Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the gender, sexuality and women鈥檚 studies graduate program committee that they are prepared academically to undertake graduate work. In addition to University requirements, (see graduate general regulations), the program requires
- a substantial essay which is scholarly in format and approach. The submitted paper may be an undergraduate essay previously prepared, or one specially written for this purpose.
- a statement of gender, sexuality and women鈥檚 studies interests and goals; normally students will be expected to present a definite proposal for their research.
- a short description of previous relevant course work and/or employment. Previous work should include both specialized disciplinary training and broader interdisciplinary work concerned with women.
The specific requirements for application are provided at .
A student will be admitted into a specific option (thesis, two extended essays or course intensive) and so should apply to the options preferred.
Qualified students will be accepted into the MA thesis option only if a suitable senior supervisor is willing to supervise the student. Senior supervisors will be selected from joint gender, sexuality and women鈥檚 studies appointees and continuing faculty on the co-ordinating committee of the department including associate members.
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.
A student with incomplete academic preparation for the MA program may be required to complete up to 12 units of additional work in either the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women鈥檚 Studies or another relevant program.
The graduate committee, which administers admissions and all matters pertaining to individual students, will consist of all continuing faculty members on the co-ordinating committee.
Upon admission, the student will be assigned a two member advisory committee which has the responsibility for ensuring that the student fulfils all degree requirements. For further information concerning requirements, consult the department鈥檚 graduate secretary or graduate chair.
Program Requirements
The program can be completed in one of three ways, as outlined below.
Thesis Option
Students who choose this option normally will complete a minimum of 20 units of graduate seminar courses, including at least one of the following while maintaining at least a 3.0 CGPA.
- GSWS 800 Methodology in Women's Studies Research (5)
- GSWS 822 Graduate Seminar in Feminist Theory (5)
Students will submit a thesis showing independent research and critical abilities. An MA thesis is expected to be an in-depth empirical or theoretical study. The normal thesis length is 60-120 pages.
The student will be required to complete an oral examination on the thesis at the end of the MA program. See '1.9 Preparation for Examinations.'
Extended Essay Option
Students who choose this option normally will complete a minimum of 20 units of graduate seminar courses, including at least one of the following while maintaining at least a 3.0 CGPA.
- GSWS 800 Methodology in Women's Studies Research (5)
- GSWS 822 Graduate Seminar in Feminist Theory (5)
Students will submit two extended essays showing independent research and critical abilities. Extended essays are defined as scholarly papers that meet the same standards of excellence as a thesis; they are examined in the same way as a thesis, prepared in the same format, bound, and placed in the library. Normally, the length of each essay is 30-60 pages. The extended essays are expected to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and competence over several areas of study.
The student will be required to complete an oral examination on the extended essays at the end of the MA program. See '1.9 Preparation for Examinations.'
Examination Option
Students who choose this option normally will complete a minimum of 20 units of graduate seminar courses, including at least one of the following while maintaining at least a 3.0 CGPA.
- GSWS 822 Graduate Seminar in Feminist Theory (5)
In addition, students are also required to write two examinations based upon the subject areas of two of the completed women's studies courses.
Supervisory Committee
Following the student's enrolment, a supervisory committee will be formed which has responsibility for determining, in consultation with the student, the projected program of study, selecting appropriate research topics, and ensuring that the candidate fulfils all degree requirements. The senior supervisor will be selected from joint appointees in the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies and continuing faculty members on the co-ordinating committee.
Other faculty outside the department who are considered necessary by the student and her/his supervisors may also be added to the committee.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations (residence, course work, academic progress, supervision, research competence requirement, completion time, and degree completion), as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled, as shown above.