Welcome to the Sexuality, Women’s and Gender Studies Department (SWAGS)
Courses on sexuality, women's and gender studies examine feminist and queer thought in a variety of global and historical contexts. Faculty specialize in literature, history, anthropology, film, and politics. Many courses taught by faculty outside of the SWAGS Department are cross-listed in the department.
Students who have questions about the major, but who do not have a SWAGS advisor, should reach out to the chair of the SWAGS Department.
For Non-Majors
- Most of our courses do not have prerequisites or only have “recommended” requisites.
- Non-majors who have never taken a course in the field of sexuality, women, or gender may wish to begin with a 100 or 200-level course.
- All courses listed in our department may be counted towards the major.
Considering Majoring?
For Transfer Students
- Students who transfer to Amherst and wish to receive credit towards the major requirements for previous work are bound by the same rules as non-transfer students: at most 3 of the 9 courses that are required for the major may be taken outside of the SWAGS Department. All outside courses must be approved by the student’s SWAGS advisor; if a student does not have a SWAGS advisor, they may contact the chair of the SWAGS Department instead.