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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Ken Mello

Ken Mello

Associate Professor of Religion & Feminist Studies Chair

Ken Mello

Ken Mello

Associate Professor of Religion & Feminist Studies 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

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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Washington, D.C.

Southwestern Sumners Scholars Explore Internships in DC

The Hatton W. Sumners Scholars Program creates high-impact experiences for SU’s best and brightest.

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EXPLORE SOUTHWESTERN

Feminist Studies Events

Feminist Studies Salon & Information Session

Feminist Studies Salon & Information Session

Join Feminist Studies faculty and students for community & conversation.

Learn about the program and upcoming courses.

Sign-in sheet at the cashier

You do not need to be a declared major to attend. This salon & information session can help you plan your future semester courses.

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Anel I. Flores

Student Afternoon with Anel I. Flores

Students are invited to spend an afternoon with artist, writer, activist, educator, and creative coach Anel I. Flores for an intimate discussion and reading of their work prior to the Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez Dinner and Jessie Daniel Ames Lecture.

Anel I. Flores (they/she) is a trans, queer Latina/e artist, writer, activist, educator, and creative coach whose extensive body of work captures the essence of LGBTQIA+ experiences across professional and community spaces. Their areas of expertise encompass various themes such as Latina/x literature, sexuality, gender, race/border/diaspora, spirituality, self discovery, and radical love. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing, having penned notable works like chapbook La Fea and Lambda literary award-nominated book, Empanada: A Lesbiana Story en Probaditas. Their upcoming novel, Cortinas de Lluvia, is set to be released in 2024, along with Empanada’s 2nd Ed., doubled with its Spanish translation. Her relentless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including distinguished writer in residence at Our Lady of the Lake University, fellow with the Southwest Folklife Alliance, the Catalyst for Change Award, Women’s Advocate of the Year, and many others.

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Anel I. Flores

The Annual Dolores Huerta & César Chávez Dinner & Jessie Daniel Ames Endowed Lecture in Feminist Studies

“Queer Brav(e)scapes: Storytelling and Art Making as a Reimagining of Self and Society with Anel I. Flores”

Anel I. Flores (they/she) is a trans, queer Latina/e artist, writer, activist, educator, and creative coach whose extensive body of work captures the essence of LGBTQIA+ experiences across professional and community spaces. Their areas of expertise encompass various themes such as Latina/x literature, sexuality, gender, race/border/diaspora, spirituality, self discovery, and radical love. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing, having penned notable works like chapbook La Fea and Lambda literary award-nominated book, Empanada: A Lesbiana Story en Probaditas. Their upcoming novel, Cortinas de Lluvia, is set to be released in 2024, along with Empanada’s 2nd Ed., doubled with its Spanish translation. Her relentless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including distinguished writer in residence at Our Lady of the Lake University, fellow with the Southwest Folklife Alliance, the Catalyst for Change Award, Women’s Advocate of the Year, and many others.

Anel I. Flores (they/she) will share a sampling of her 30 year career as an artist, writer, activist, educator, and creative coach, highlighting the role their creativity has served in the LGBTQ+ community. She will examine how visual and literary mediums become powerful tools for social change, challenging stereotypes, raising awareness, and promoting inclusivity and equality.

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