1. Executive Summary
Currently, there are (3) students enrolled in the Women’s and Gender Studies Minor
at York College. This signals that either something is very wrong with the minor, or
perhaps students just aren’t aware of or interested in the field of study. This
problem is what prompted my research goal of finding out to why the interest level
might be so low and what ways are there to increase both awareness and interest
levels for the Minor.
The major findings of this report include the discovery of a very low interest and
awareness level of the Women’s and Gender Studies Minor and the reasons behind
it. The disinterest stems from the common misconception that Women’s and Gender
Studies will not aid students in their future careers, while in reality there are many
applications for the topics taught in this program that students aren’t really made
aware of. My recommendation will specifically focus on ways to fix this problem and
hopefully expand the Women’s Gender Studies Minor and make it more successful.
My secondary research focused onthe similar programs at other institutions and
essential topics to include in a successful Women’s and Gender studies curriculum.
My primary research consisted of gaining information on the Interest/Awareness
levels for the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at York College and the
assessment of the Minor in terms of both relevancy and currency.
By using surveys of random students, questionnaires from students taking Women’s
Gender Studies courses, and an interview with a professor in the department, a well-
rounded and complete evaluation will be made. By combining both this primary
with secondary research, I was able to make a recommendation that will hopefully
improve the program.