WOMEN’S STUDIES

Program Introduction

The Women's Studies program aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who develop morally, intellectually, physically, and aesthetically, with the spirit of "Four Selfs" (self-respect, self-confidence, self-independence, and self-strengthening), a sense of public welfare, and gender equality awareness.

Students will master the fundamental theories, basic knowledge, and essential methods of Women's Studies while gaining an interdisciplinary understanding of sociology, management, political science, and more. They will also be knowledgeable about the development of women both domestically and internationally, as well as laws, policies, and treaties related to women. 

Graduates will be equipped to work in government departments, enterprises, institutions, and women’s organizations, with the ability to conduct gender research.

Program Objectives

This program aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who develop in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor aspects. Students will develop the spirit of "Four Selfs," gender equality awareness, and a sense of public welfare. The program fosters individuals with an international perspective and innovative capabilities. 

Students will master fundamental theories, knowledge, and methodologies of Women's Studies, understand the development status of women domestically and internationally, and grasp laws and policies related to women. They will develop the ability to analyze social issues from a gender perspective, utilize research methods and techniques, manage and serve society. 

Graduates will be able to apply their expertise in Women's Studies to roles in government agencies, enterprises, social organizations, education, research, media, and communication.

Graduation Requirements

(I) Knowledge Requirements

1. Master the fundamental theories, basic knowledge, and research methodologies of Women's Studies.

2. Understand domestic and international laws, regulations, and policies related to women's development and gender equality.

3. Master gender analysis and gender assessment methods, along with project planning and management processes.

4. Be familiar with and apply social science research methods and techniques.

(II) Skills Requirements

1. Self-learning ability: Have the capacity for independent learning in research and work.

2. Thinking and innovation ability: Develop creativity, reflexivity, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze social phenomena from a comprehensive and holistic perspective. Understand and communicate across diverse cultures and possess foundational academic capabilities in Women's Studies.

3. Communication skills: Exhibit excellent academic writing and oral expression skills, as well as the ability to express and compose work and research projects.

4. Foreign language proficiency: Achieve proficiency in English with strong listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation skills.

5. Information technology skills: Master computer and information technology, learn to use statistical software tools, and develop data analysis and processing abilities.

6. Teamwork ability: Understand the basic principles of teamwork, possess organizational, coordination, and leadership skills, and demonstrate a spirit of dedication to team efforts.

7. Social service ability: Possess a sense of social service and the willingness to participate, with the ability to design, organize, coordinate, and evaluate social service activities, particularly in public welfare initiatives.

(III) Quality Requirements

1. Political ideology: Love the country and the people, support the party and national policies, uphold the spirit of "Four Selfs," and possess strong public welfare and gender equality awareness.

2. Personal ethics: Maintain integrity, abide by laws and regulations, be willing to contribute, and consciously uphold social morality.

3. Humanistic literacy: Have a solid foundation in literature, history, philosophy, arts, and sciences, inherit the excellent culture of the Chinese nation, and respect cultural diversity.

4. Global perspective: Understand the status of women's education, rights protection, and development in other countries, with the academic background and ability to pursue further studies abroad and work in international organizations.

5. Physical and mental well-being: Maintain good physical health, meet national fitness test standards, have a positive and optimistic attitude, and possess strong self-adjustment abilities.

Core Courses

• Introduction to Sociology

• Women's Psychology

• Introduction to Women's Studies

• History of Chinese Women

• Social Research Methods

• Social Statistics Methods

• Introduction to Management

• Western Sociological Theories

• History of World Thought

• Women's Human Rights

• Women's Work

• Gender and Globalization

• Gender, Population, and Health

• Research Methods in Women's Studies

• Women's Leadership

• Advanced Issues in Gender Studies

• Gender and Public Policy

• Selected Readings in Women's Studies

• Theories and Practices of Social Service Organizations

• Project Management and Evaluation

Research Directions in Women's Studies

The main research directions in Women's Studies include:

• Gender and Power

• Gender and Culture

• Gender and Development

• Gender and Health

• Gender-Based Violence

• Gender and Media

• Gender and Education

• Gender and Family

Degree Awarded

Graduates are awarded a Bachelor degree.

Career Prospects

The career prospects for Women's Studies graduates are promising.

First, the democratization process in China, along with the continuous improvement and refinement of gender equality policies, laws, and measures, has increased the demand for professionals with expertise in Women's Studies. Government agencies, mass organizations, enterprises, non-governmental organizations, international institutions, community organizations, and higher education institutions require individuals equipped with knowledge and methodologies in Women's Studies more than ever before.

Additionally, an increasing number of students from various social science disciplines apply for master's and doctoral programs in Women's Studies abroad each year. Pursuing graduate studies and studying overseas are popular choices for many students.

Furthermore, United Nations agencies recruiting talents in China have sparked increased interest in Women's Studies. Many graduates opt to join international women's studies research teams in the future.

Related Majors

• Sociology

• Social Work

• Anthropology

• Home Economics

• Gerontology

• Social Policy

Top Universities Offering Women's Studies

• Hunan Women's University

• Shandong Women's University

• China Women's University