Immersion

Why Immersion in Gender and Sexuality Studies?

An immersion sequence that includes courses and/or projects in Gender and Sexuality Studies will foster interdisciplinary thinking about contemporary and historical understandings of gender, sexuality, and identities. Students can achieve a deeper understanding of the complexity and wholeness of human experience by reaching across epistemological and methodological divisions to foster comprehensive, interdisciplinary perspectives on social life. An immersion sequence in Gender and Sexuality Studies compels the student to recognize the problems and possibilities of the changing times in which we live.

What Kind of Classes and Projects Will I Complete As Part of a Gender and Sexuality Studies Immersion Experience?

The Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies has created two Immersion tracks, one for majors/minors and one for non-majors/minors completing an Immersion project that involves a gender and/or sexuality component.

Please note: These tracks do not mean that you can’t carry out an individualized project with a GSS faculty member. You may sculpt an original Immersion experience with a GSS faculty member with the approval of that faculty member.

Remember that you are in charge of your Immersion experience (see the Office of Immersion Resources for complete information), and these are only suggested tracks!

Track 1 for GSS Majors/Minors

This is an Immersion sequence that includes one introductory course (1150 or 1160), one intermediate course dealing with gender/sexuality (from GSS or another department), and the Senior Seminar (this course is required for all majors/minors). This will fulfill the Immersion requirement.

Please note: GSS majors/minors do not have to complete their Immersion project through GSS or this track. This is an option, not a requirement.

Track 2 for GSS Non-Majors/Non-Minors

This is an Immersion sequence that includes one introductory course (1150 or 1160), one intermediate course dealing with gender/sexuality (from GSS or another department), and the new GSS Immersion Projects course, “GSS Capstone Colloquium.” This will fulfill the Immersion requirement.

Please note: Track 2 is open to any student wishing to conduct an Immersion project in gender and/or sexuality, regardless of major(s)/minor(s)

Questions? Contact Associate Chair Elizabeth Covington (elizabeth.covington@vanderbilt.edu).