WEST CERTIFICATE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY STUDIES GUIDELINES
Coordinator, Kimberly A. Holcomb, MA; COH 1025B; E-mail: kholcomb@uccs.edu; Tele: (719) 255-4117
• Gender and Sexuality Studies seeks to understand sexuality as a social phenomenon, social construct, and identity. Following various threads of both the feminist as well as the LGBTQ rights movements, the burgeoning academic field of Gender and Sexuality Studies has witnessed the development of academic associations and journals, as well as courses and programs at universities across the nation and the globe. As an academic field, Gender and Sexuality Studies adheres to a multi- and inter-disciplinary approach, that views sexuality and gender as social identities shaped by oppression and privilege.
Courses and faculty affiliated with the undergraduate certificate in Gender and Sexuality
Studies at UCCS will reflect a variety of disciplines and methodological approaches to developing understandings of sexuality that counter traditional, biologically deterministic, and medicalized approaches.
Faculty who wish to add their courses to the certificate program will be required to demonstrate a non-ghettoized curriculum wherein course materials related to underrepresented sexual and gender populations are weaved throughout the course, rather than taught over one or two class periods. In addition, eligible courses will demonstrate an intersectional approach to teaching about sexualities which looks critically at race, gender, class, ability, age, privilege etc. as they pertain to aspects of sexuality.
• The Undergraduate Certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies currently consists of 12 credit hours. The purpose of this program is to give students intellectual and methodological tools to enable them to play a leadership role in gender and sexuality research, policy, and practice at a broad range of public and private organizations. For WEST majors, minors, and other students wishing to concentrate in this area, we offer a concentration in Gender and Sexuality studies and an award of certification of study.
Certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies - 12 credits, 9 upper division credits
Students are required to take 12 credits (4 courses) from the list below. 9 of the 12 credits must be upper division. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for each course applied toward the certificate.
To enroll in the certificate program, students must meet with the Coordinator to turn in the completed application form. Prior to completion, students must also submit a transcript and a five-page, typewritten self-reflective statement evaluating their perceptions regarding the knowledge gained in the concentration and implications for future scholarly and professional work. The certificate is to be mailed to recipients upon completion of a certificate audit by the Coordinator and graduation.
Course selection guidelines:
• Independent studies may not be used to earn this certificate.
• All courses must be offered through the WEST program and/or affiliates.
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Below is a current list of courses offered:

*Additional special topics courses may be offered and can be counted toward the certificate. These courses must be approved in advance by the certificate coordinator or the WEST program director.
Students may enroll in the certificate program by completing a brief application available on the website
(www.uccs.edu/west), from the coordinator, or at the WEST office (Columbine suite 1025, tel. 719.255.4553).
WEST Certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies
Application
Name __________________________ Student Number____________________
Address___________________________________________________________
Phone ____________________ E-mail__________________________________
Major(s) ________________________ Minor(s)___________________________
WEST Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate Courses Completed
*Students are required to complete 12 credits in order to complete the certificate, 9 of which must be upper division.
Course   Number     Title         Semester     Grade
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Completion of Requirements
(To be completed by Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate Coordinator)
Course requirements met? _____________
• Transcripts reviewed and attached? _____________
•
•
Self-statement reviewed and attached? _____________
Contact information updated? ______________
Certificate Coordinator’s Signature/Date:
_____________________________________________________