Women's Studies - Certificate Requirements

[Image credit: Fabric Art Quilt, Royal Princess (2015) by Ora Clay]

This program is for enrolled GTU students who wish to integrate an intentional focus on women’s studies in inter-religious dialogue, theology and religion, and encourages the innovative work of wo/men faculty and students at both the GTU and UC Berkeley. Completion of the certificate requires the Women’s Studies in Religion seminar offered every year, completing three additional courses (at least two with a religious or theological component) at the GTU or UC Berkeley, and participate in designated Women’s Studies in Religion events.                 

The Women’s Studies in Religion certificate program is designed so it is possible to complete the requirements in a single year; however, students are welcome to take more time to finish.  Students must be enrolled at the GTU or a member school in order to start the certificate program. 

    Requirements

    • Submit intent to enroll form.
    • Successfully complete the 3.0 unit "WSR Seminar" (usually offered once each academic year), which provides disciplinary perspectives and critical theories important to the study of women in religion and theology.
    • Successfully complete three additional 3.0 unit courses (total of 9.0 units) at the GTU or UC Berkeley in which the experiences of women, women-centered theologies, or feminist theories form a significant component. Two of these courses must also emphasize religious studies or theology. Special reading courses that cover these topics may also be counted toward the certificate. Course requirements should be tailored to the student's degree level. A course may also be acceptable if the student’s final paper/project is on a gender topic. If a student decides to take advantage of this option, they have to submit the paper with their requirements checklist.
    • Participate in six co-curricular units. Advertising for WSR events will indicate how many units it is worth. Typically events are worth 2 units, so on average 3 events will fulfill this requirement. The student is responsible for keeping track of the events that they attend. Students attending events will be required to fill out the colloquium verification form for each qualifying event. This form is way for you to give WSR feedback on our events, as well as to promote students engaged participation in events. The student must submit the colloquium attendance form when they have finished their requirements. The program suggests that students print out a copy of this form and keep track of their events as they happen.  Students will not have access to event sign-in sheets, so it is important to keep track of your own attendance. 
    • Submit requirements checklist and all colloquium verification forms, as well as a transcript, to Fredonia Thompson, 2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley, CA, 94709 no later than April 1 of the year when you complete the requirements of the certificate (for Fall and Spring certificate recipients). A $50 certificate-processing fee must be paid to the business office when all required forms have been approved. Students will not be awarded the certificate until the fee is paid. Please contact wsr@ses.gtu.edu with any questions. 
    • All Certificate Recipients will be invited to participate in the annual Spring reception where they will be awarded their certificates. This event usually takes place in May. For more information the Spring reception, please contact wsr@ses.gtu.edu