Queer Studies, Minor - COLA, UNH

Undergraduate

Queer Studies

Examine how gender and sexuality intersect with race, ethnicity, class and disability while studying topics ranging from film and sports to politics and theory.
2026
Degree
Minor
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
5
Credit
20 hrs.
Full-time
- -
Part-time
- -
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Women's and Gender Studies

The Queer Studies minor at UNH offers an interdisciplinary exploration of gender, sexuality and social justice through diverse cultural and historical perspectives. Here you'll be able to examine how gender and sexuality intersect with race, ethnicity, class and disability while studying topics ranging from film and sports to politics and theory. 

With dedicated faculty mentorship, internship opportunities at innovative organizations and a flexible curriculum that bridges theoretical and applied studies, this minor complements any major field of study. Whether you're interested in healthcare, education, law, social work or business, understanding these critical perspectives will enhance your ability to serve and work with diverse communities.

Department of Women's and Gender Studies

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Contact Cards

Joelle Ryan
Principal Lecturer
Joelle.Ryan@unh.edu
Hamilton Smith Hall, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-0272
Holly Cashman
Professor
Holly.Cashman@unh.edu
Murkland Hall, Room 210h, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-3123

What is queer studies?

Queer studies is an interdisciplinary minor that invites you to explore basic questions about gender,sexual identities and social justice while examining the diverse experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and allied people in various cultures and communities as well as across historical eras. The intersection of gender and sexuality with race and ethnicity, social class, language and disability permeates the curriculum; class topics range from film, sports and fashion to discourse, politics and theory. Combine a minor in queer studies with a major to enhance your understanding of gender and sexuality for a range of careers or graduate studies.

Why study queer studies at UNH?

The queer studies minor will provide you with a sense of community, excellent advising and mentoring,and opportunities to apply what you learn through internships at innovative organizations both on and off campus. The queer studies minor offers you a structured yet flexible undergraduate program on cutting-edge subjects, bridging theory and applied studies, and tailored to your academic or professional interests. The curriculum includes foundational courses and a long list of elective courses across many disciplines, and includes contributions from faculty in a variety of programs.

Potential career areas

  • Arts/music
  • Business
  • Communications/public relations
  • Community organizing/advocacy
  • Education
  • Government and non-governmental organizations
  • Healthcare/public health
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Social work/counseling
  • Sustainability/conservation
  • Writing

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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The queer studies minor provides students with opportunities to research and understand a rapidly growing field whose focus is the study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and allied peoples, their histories and cultures. Queer studies is a method of inquiry that explores the role of same-sex desire and constructions of gender across and among cultures and histories. In these classes, students will consider sexualities and genders as identities and social statuses, as categories of knowledge, and as lenses that help to frame how we understand our world. The minor consists of interdisciplinary coursework in queer studies. Students who wish to pursue the queer studies minor should consult with Professor Holly Cashman.

02
Requirements for the Program
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  • Academic policies related to Minors.
  • The queer studies minor requires 5 courses (20 credits). One pre-approved elective from the electives list below may count toward the minor.
  • A minimum grade of C- or better is required in coursework toward the minor.
  • Additional courses may count toward the minor with approval.
Requirements
Select five courses from the following:
ANTH 625Sexuality in Cross-Cultural Perspective4
ANTH 685Gender, Sexuality and HIV/AIDS in Africa4
CMN 697Seminar in Rhetorical Study4
ENGL 693Special Topics in Literature4
HDFS 746Human Sexuality4
HDFS 757/857Race, Class, Gender, and Families4
HIST 497Explorations in Historical Perspectives4
HIST 595Explorations (Only topics Gender and Sexuality in Pre-Modern Europe; Sex and Sexuality in Islamic History)1-4
HIST 665Themes in Women's History4
HUMA 401Introduction to the Humanities4
PSYC 595Applications of Psychology (Research, Field, or Academic Experience)1-4
SOC 520Family4
SOC 570Sexual Behavior4
SW 715/815Affirming Practice with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ People4
WGS 405Gender, Power and Privilege4
WGS 505Survey in Women's Studies (Only topics Violence Against Women; Gender, Race and Sexuality in Visual Culture)4
WGS 632WFeminist Thought (depending on instructor)4
WGS 795Independent Study (or other departmental designation)1-4
WGS 798WColloquium (Only topics Race, Gender, and Representation; Gay Marriage and Kinship; Women in Prison)4
Electives
Require program approval and may vary by instructor.
CMN 567Gender, Race, and Class in the Media4
CMN 697Seminar in Rhetorical Study4
ENGL 618Film Theory4
HDFS 545Intimate Relationships and Families4
HUMA 401Introduction to the Humanities4
SOC 570Sexual Behavior4
SOC 697Special Topics (Only topic Women, Health, and Illness)4
SW 840Implications of Race, Culture, and Oppression for Social Work Practice3
WGS 401WIntroduction to Women's Studies4
WGS 444ARace Matters4
WGS 632WFeminist Thought4
WGS 796Advanced Topics4
WGS 797Internship4
WGS 798WColloquium4

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