Majors & Minors

Feminist Studies

Interdisciplinary in nature, the Feminist Studies Program at Southwestern draws together faculty from across the university. We offer courses in feminist theory, women’s history and literature, feminist art history, and queer studies alongside courses incorporating feminist and queer approaches to sociology, anthropology, theatre, and religious studies.

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Elaine Craddock

Elaine Craddock

Professor of Religion & Chair

Elaine Craddock

Elaine Craddock

Professor of Religion & Chair

Feminist Studies
Feminist Studies

The Feminist Studies curriculum exposes students to the large and ever-growing body of knowledge that makes up the broad category of feminist and gender studies, combining feminist theory with analyses of feminist activism, identifications, and practices.

Our program provides a critical exploration of how prominent categories of difference—gender, race, class, sexuality, disability, age, religion and nation—are constituted, challenged, and altered across time and place.

Part of this project involves revising the findings of traditional disciplines to include knowledge generated through a variety of feminist methodologies.

Students with an academic focus in feminist theories and methodologies are well prepared to succeed in a variety of fields, including non-profit and social services, law, journalism, theology, public policy, health care, cultural studies, education, and numerous other traditional disciplines within the academy.


Feminist Studies is one of the Paideia Minors. Paideia provides intentional opportunities for students to integrate various academic disciplines and experiences, empowering them to develop versatile analytical abilities that lead them to become creative problem solvers who are well equipped to tackle complex issues. Paideia is not a traditional program but provides innovative, structured pathways that enable the acquisition of these invaluable skills.

All SU students are encouraged to graduate with Paideia Distinction by making Paideia a formal part of their studies. This requires completing either one of the Paideia Minors (or two High-Impact Experiences) and successfully completing a Paideia Seminar.

Graduation with Paideia Distinction formally recognizes students’ cultivated curiosity to learn, integrate multiple viewpoints, and create change. The Paideia skills that students develop make SU graduates highly sought-after by recruiters, employers, and graduate programs.

Learn more about the Paideia Seminar, how to apply for it, and how to graduate with Paideia Distinction.



AFTER SOUTHWESTERN

Featured Alumni Stories

Madeline Carrola '19

Finding Home(s)

For sociology and feminist studies double major Madeline Carrola ’19, the Southwestern Experience has informed her roles at organizations supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

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Chelsey celebrated Circadian’s release at Book Woman

Chelsey Clammer, SU ’05, Releases New Book, Circadian, Winner of the Red Hen Press Nonfiction Manuscript Award

“I take a different approach to storytelling, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the critical thinking skills I learned at Southwestern.” - Chelsey Clammer ’05

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EXPLORE SOUTHWESTERN

Feminist Studies News

Amiel Padayhag ’20

Amiel Padayhag ’20 Reflects on Her Experience Participating in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in the Philippines

Anthropology and feminist studies alumna Amiel Padayhag ’20 earned a 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award to conduct anthropological research in the Philippines. Explore her first-hand account of the experience below.

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Assistant Professor of Feminist Studies Meagan Solomon

Meet Our World-Class Faculty: Meagan Solomon

A conversation with Assistant Professor of Feminist Studies Meagan Solomon.

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Lois Durant ’20

The Environmental Diaries

Environmental studies major and architecture and feminist studies double minor Lois Durant ’20 shares her journey in environmental policy in the non-profit sector.

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