We are pleased to announce that the Institute for Women’s Studies is now offering an undergraduate certificate in LGBTQ Studies! The Certificate was overwhelming approved by the University Council on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 and students can begin taking courses towards the completion of this certificate in Fall 2021. The goal of this undergraduate certificate is to provide students with an understanding of the interdisciplinary scholarship and teaching on the role of sexuality in culture and politics. This certificate will foster theoretical reflection on the history of social difference and how it connects to sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, and class. The 17 hours of coursework will prepare students to expand their knowledge of cultures and to respectfully engage with diverse populations as they enter fields such as law, healthcare, and counseling. The program of study requires 17 hours of coursework, including: 11 credit hours of required coursework: WMST 1000, Seminars on Women’s Studies and Gender (1 hour) WMST 2300, Introduction to LGBTQ Studies (3 hours) WMST 3100, Diversity in LGBTQ Politics (3 hours) WMST 4100/6100, Queer Theories (3 hours) WMST 4910, Research and Methods in LGBTQ Studies (1 hour) Plus 6 credit hours of elective coursework chosen with the approval of the certificate director. To learn more about this certificate, contact Cecilia Herles at cherles@uga.edu. We are grateful to the Franklin College Senate and the members of the University Council, who recognized the need for this program at the University of Georgia. The Institute is indebted to Drs. Chris Cuomo, Cecilia Herles, and Josie Leimbach for their dedication to the proposal and creation of this certificate. In addition, we are especially grateful to Dr. Andrew and Kathy Coley, whose endowment of the Andrea Carson Coley LGBT Lecture series in 1994, laid the foundation for this Certificate. Dr. Juanita Johnson-Bailey, Director
