WGSS Program Advances SHU’s Course Offerings

How can students gain a deeper understanding of gender and sexuality-related issues? The Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program, led by Professor Kelly Marino, provides a comprehensive curriculum along with engaging speaker events.

The WGSS program at Sacred Heart University includes a wide range of subjects in its curriculum, such as history, media studies, sociology, and psychology. Students can investigate important topics in the program by taking a variety of courses, including “Women in History” and “The Psychology of Gender and Sexuality.”

Marino, the Coordinator of WGSS, teaches different courses on United States History, western civilization, and women’s studies. She explained that the program focuses on topics regarding all aspects of personal identity.

“We are continually updating our course offerings to ensure they reflect the most relevant and pressing issues. We don’t just deal exclusively with gender and sexuality but also other important topics like ethnicity, race, disability and class,” said Marino.

“The program covers so many different areas that there is almost always a class available to pique an individual’s interest,” said Sophomore Talia Torrens, the Inclusion Chair of the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA).

Torrens said the value of the program’s focus is on intersectionality and multicultural perspectives. She said that the program encourages critical thinking about societal structures.

“Taking a course like Psychology of Gender and Sexuality helped me deepen my understanding of psychology as a whole,” said Torrens.

The WGSS program hosts numerous events throughout the academic year, such as faculty-staffed panel discussions and guest speaker series. This fall, the program is hosting a series of lectures from various historians and authors. On Nov. 20, historian Monica Mercado will be coming to the Dr. Michelle Loris Forum to discuss Catholic girlhood and education.

The WGSS program has hosted different events like book clubs and film screenings, further engaging students and faculty in relevant themes.

“It’s important for students to learn about the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds and recognize their leadership roles throughout history,” said Marino.

As the elections approach, both Torrens and Marino emphasize the importance of civic engagement.

“This election will play a major role in determining the direction of the country over the next decade,” said Marino. “Everyone eligible should cast a ballot and weigh in on these critical issues.”

Torrens said, “At this time, it is kind of difficult to say exactly how this election will impact the future of women’s rights as there are so many guiding factors, but with the possible nullification of protective women’s healthcare legislation, if there’s one message I could get out there it would be vote.”

Junior Charlotte Copp has taken courses with Professor Marino. Copp said the program’s courses hold significance, touching upon important topics that are relevant to the world.

“Having Professor Marino opened my eyes to the importance of gender studies in understanding our society,” said Copp.

Copp said that the WGSS program has enhanced her education. Through her studies within the program, Copp said she has gained critical insights into how gender intersects with various aspects of identity such as race and class.

“The WGSS program is essential to creating a more welcoming community at Sacred Heart. It challenges us to consider problems that impact everyone, not just women,” said Copp.

For more information on the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program at SHU and their upcoming events, visit the program’s webpage at www.sacredheart.edu under “minors.”

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