Gender Studies

Certificate of Achievement in Gender Studies (CAGS)

The Certificate of Achievement in Gender Studies (CAGS) offers a transdisciplinary and multicultural
approach to the study of gender. It combines some of the core courses in BCC’s Women’s Studies
discipline with select courses from related fields within the Social Sciences and Liberal Arts. It is designed
to prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution with either a major in Gender Studies, Women’s
Studies, LGBTQ Studies or in a related major within the Social Sciences or Liberal Arts.

Given that the courses are all transfer-level general education courses, the program also strengthens
critical thinking, writing, and study skills.The certificate may also be used towards completion of a whole host of other BCC degrees: including the
AA in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Social Sciences and an AA in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Arts
and Humanities.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
1. Understand and examine critically the processes of gender socialization and historically
differentiated experiences for genders across cultures and eras
2. Critically analyze how identities based on gender , race/culture/ethnicity, sexuality, class, age,
and ability intersect
3. Recognize various women's political, historical, and artistic achievements over time

Catalog Description

This certificate of achievement involves an interdisciplinary approach to Gender Studies combining
courses in the liberal arts and social sciences thus offering a grounded general education. The certificate
provides a strong academic foundation in the field, whether students are interested for personal, political
or professional reasons or intend to transfer to a four-year institution and major or minor in Gender
Studies, Women's Studies or LGBTQ Studies as well as any discipline in the liberal arts or social sciences.

Career Opportunities

This certificate supports students looking to transfer to degree programs in Gender Studies, Women’s
Studies, LGBTQ Studies or in a related major within the Social Sciences or Liberal Arts. The study of
gender also supports students planning for a wide range of careers including medicine, the creative arts,
social work, education, counseling, law, psychology, academia, and business.

Program Requirements

Choose two of the following: 6 - 7 units required
• (4 units) HUMAN 052 or WS 052 - Women and Cinema
• (3 units) PHIL 035 or WS 035 - Feminist Philosophy
• (3 units) WS 001 - Introduction to Women’s Studies

Choose four of the following: 12 - 13 units required
• (3 units) ART 013 - History of Women in Art
• (3 units) COMM 010 - Gender and Communication
• (3 units) HIST 021 U.S. Women: - A Social History
• (4 units) HUMAN 052 or WS 052 - Women and Cinema
• (3 units) PHIL 035 or WS 035 - Feminist Philosophy
• (3 units) SOC 007 -Sociology of Gender
• (3 units) SOC 013 - Sociology of the Family
• (3 units) SOCSC 002 - Introduction to Diversity Issues
• (3 units) WS 001 Introduction to Women’s Studies 

Total units for the Certificate in Achievement in Gender Studies: 18-20 units