Women Studies Course Syllabus 2024: Semester Subjects, Electives, Books, Specializations

Updated on Nov 7, 2022 01:12 IST

Women's Studies has become an emerging and popular area of academic inquiry. It has a stable and long history, and it can't be considered a new discipline. Women's Studies is a crucial academic field that talks about politics, society as well as history from intersectional and multicultural women's perspectives. It covers different areas, such as the women's movement, their history, and more. Besides pursuing this course, students will learn more about the relationship between gender and power and socio-economic classes. One can do this course like a diploma, certification, undergraduate, post-graduated and more. Women's Studies has become an important course among students as it allows them to have a great career in the future.

Syllabus- Important Facts For Women's Studies

  • BA in Women's Studies is the most opted degree among the students

This degree in Women's Studies talks about women's movements, laws made for them, research related to women's political development, and more.

  • MA in Women's Studies is a two-year program

The total duration of a MA in Women's Studies is two years and includes four semesters. The program will allow the students to develop their skills and knowledge related to women's culture, current women's rights in India, and more.

Scope In India

Students who want to learn more about challenges faced by women in society and their development process should go for this program. The knowledge gained from the courses can assist them in solving different issues. Indian universities and colleges are now focusing more on these courses to educate students about women's rights.

Women's Studies Syllabus in TISS

Tata Institute of Social Science is one of the best colleges in India that offers an MA in Women's Studies program. Students enrolled in this program will be exposed to different areas and debates related to feminist research and Women's Studies methodologies. The institute's syllabus includes a foundation course, open electives, a disciplinary course, and a research dissertation.

Women's Studies Syllabus in Pondicherry University

The total duration of this program is two years. The course will familiarise the students with the history, theories, assumptions, and key concepts of Women's Studies. Besides, the students will also get to know about feminist research methods.

General Examination Pattern

In general, students need to opt for 8 credits. The evaluation will be done based on the marks obtained every semester. Besides, the students also need to submit a research dissertation during their final semester.

List of Subjects in Women's Studies

Below given in the table are list of subjects in Women's Studies

Typical Core Subjects for Women's Studies

Subject title

Subject details

Introduction To Women's Studies

This subject explains the major concepts of gender studies. Besides, students will also get to know about the challenges, scope, and needs of women's studies.

The subject's primary objective is to develop the knowledge and capabilities of students in the areas of women's movements, gender issues, women and the environment, and commissions and national committees for women. Besides, it also covers other important topics like gender disparity, deprivation, sex ratio, and more.

Gender Socialisation

This subject talks about how gender socialisation can influence the lives of women as well as men. You will understand how it affects people's beliefs about their career choices, abilities, rights, and more. This subject also focuses on a gender perspective, gender mainstreaming, gender equality, and more. After going through this course, students will develop a robust knowledge of gender analysis, gender budgeting, and gender auditing. The topics covered in this may vary based on the college you choose.

Gender and Development

This subject talks about the current gender disparities in the development process. Students will understand how women are contributing to development. It covers a detailed analysis of women in rural development, agriculture, and Informa sector-gender development. Besides, it also covers information about different programs and schemes that help in women's development.

Social Construction of Gender

This subject talks about a theory in feminism. Besides, it also covers sociology about the manifestation of mechanisms, cultural origins, and expression, as well as corollaries of gender perception in terms of group and interpersonal social interaction. The subject also gives insight into gender roles, gender stereotyping, and nature versus culture.

Typical Elective Subjects for Women's Studies

Subject title

Subject details

Basics Of Social Research

Students will learn how to conduct social research while creating a systematic plan that should include both quantitative and qualitative observational methods. It also teaches about different factors, like text analysis, market, and observation. Besides, you will learn the important steps of social research.

Women and Political Process

This subject primarily focuses on women's role in today's political process. Besides, it also gives an insight into women's participation in the electoral process. You will also understand the political parties' approach and attitude towards women's issues. What's more? This subject also talks about the reservation rights of women in the political arena.

Women and Institution of Social System

By going through this subject, you will learn more about different family types, marriage types along with different roles of women.

Furthermore, the course also talks about class, culture, caste, social system, and culture, as well and gives a detailed analysis of different types of initiatives carried out for the empowerment of minorities.

Detailed Syllabus for Women's Studies

Well, the syllabus for MA In Women's Studies will vary from one university to another. However, the subjects followed by the colleges and universities are quite the same. Have a look at the below-given table to learn about some core as well as elective subjects covered in MA in Women's Studies.

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject title

Subject Details

1

Feminism

Feminist Theories and Thinkers

Students will get to learn about different types of feminism, such as liberal feminism, socialist feminism, radical feminism, eco-feminism, Marxist feminism, and more. Besides, it also covers different new feminist debates, LGBT, transgender, intersex movements, and more.

2

Gender and Education

Gender and Education

This subject talks about women's education. Students will learn about gender disparities, diversities, and more. Besides, you will understand how gender roles, family, identities, and culture affect education. Students will also know about the current educational system designed for marginalised women.

3

Women and Technology

Women and Technology: A Historical Perspective

Students will learn why technology is considered a masculine culture. Besides, this subject covers medical technology, household technology, reproductive technologies, and how recent technological changes have influenced women.

4

Status of Women

Differential Status of Women

This subject primarily focuses on the status of women. You will learn more about rural women, minority women, tribal women, Dalit women, domestic workers, urban women, and more.

5

Women's Movement

Women's Movements in India

This subject talks about women's movements and social movements. Students will get to know about the participation of women in colonial India and their role in the social reforms movement. Besides, it talks about the Narmada Bachao movement, the Chipako movement, violence against women, and more.

5

Women's Rights

Women and Human Rights

There are different policies and laws that prohibit women from enjoying equal access to housing, property, and land. Besides, social and economic discrimination has made women choose a poorer lifestyle. This subject talks about all these things while educating students on different rules and laws created to protect women's rights.

6

Entrepreneurship

Women and Entrepreneurship

The subject helps students to understand the process that can help women to start a business. It allows them to know how to obtain all the required resources and manage their businesses. It also discusses how women entrepreneurs can help in increasing the economic stability and growth of a country.

7

Women and Health

Women and Health

It discusses different issues of women's health and programs and policies created by the government to address those issues. Besides, the subject also talks about the women's agency with respect to enhancing their environment and health.

8

Gender and Culture

Gender, Culture, and Mass Media

It talks about the relationship between race, mass media, and gender. You will get to know about mass communication theories, the process of studying gender, class, and gender in mass media, and more.

Specialisations Offered in Women's Studies

Women's Studies cover different topics, like sociology, technology, politics, women's development, and more. The applications of Women's Studies spread in different fields like education, politics, agriculture, and more. Based on this, different colleges offer different types of specialisations. Some of the most common options are

Specialisation

Subjects

Details

Gender and Socio-Economic Terms

· Feminisation of poverty

· Relative deprivation

· Commoditization of women

It talks about how gender equality can affect one country's economic growth. It also discusses women's access to education and employment opportunities.

Technology Transfer

· Appropriate technology for women.

· Adaptability process

· Women and value orientation

This specialisation provides the students with a deep insight into how technology transfer is impacting women. It talks about different technologies serving and replacing women. You will learn the basic principles of different techniques used in the women's development process.

Women and Law

  • Fundamental duties

  • Women-personal law

  • Labour laws

It talks about different laws created to protect the legal and social rights of women in different places. Students will get to know about the fundamental rights and duties of women.

Books and Authors Related to Women’s Studies

As Women's Studies is an important field and has multiple specialisation options, students doing an MA in Women's Studies will have to go through different books during the course. They need to read books that have detailed explanations of Women's rights, law, politics, the culture of women, and more. Well, here are some top-rated and popular books that most colleges and universities advise their students to prefer.

Subject

Book title

Authors

Description

Gender and Women

Handbook of Gender and Women's Studies

Kathy Davis, Judith Lorber, and Mary Evans

This book presents detailed as well as engaging reviews of the recent developments in this field. Besides, the book talks about the feminist and masculinity implications of postmodernism. Besides, the book offers a critical analysis of gender and women's studies in work, education, religion, family, and more.

Sociology

Sociology of Gender: The Challenge of Feminist Sociological Knowledge

Sharmila Rege

The book contains different research carried out in India considering the issues of family, caste, work, state, education, and other issues. Besides, this useful book comes with important essays that carefully examine the contributions made by feminists toward the engendering mainstream sociology in India. Every student should go for this book.

Womens' Studies

Womens' Studies: Various Aspects

Basabi Chakraborty

Written by Basabi Chakraborty, this book has different articles focused on Women's Studies. Besides, different aspects of women's studies, such as feminist politics, theories, women's movement in India, and more, have been discussed in datils. Furthermore, the book also covers law, human rights, health, and other major topics that will help the students to enhance their knowledge of women's studies.

Women's Studies Theory

Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory

Chandra Talpade Mohanty

This book, written in English, allows the students to learn everything about Western and Eurocentric developmental discourses as well as the racial, sexual, and theory-based assumptions of western feminism. After going through the book, you will get to know about reorienting feminism, decolonising feminism, and demystifying capitalism.

Women Rights

Law and Gender Inequality: The Politics of Women's Rights In India

Flavia Agnes

This book talks about the current gender inequality issues along with the politics of Indian Women's rights. Besides, the book provides the students with a detailed analysis of the debate on the Uniform Civil Code. You will get to know about the current women's rights condition under Hindu law and Islamic law.

What's more? A portion of this book talks about the importance of the personal law of the Parsi community for women's rights.

Entrance Exams for Women’s Studies

In general, admission to MA in Women's Studies is carried out based on the merit list. However, some colleges and universities may hold their entrance exam. For example, if you are applying for TISS, then you will have to appear for the TISNET or TISS National Entrance Test. Besides, students will have to appear for the TISS PAT- Programme Aptitude Test.

 

Speaking about the minimum eligibility requirements, for MA in Women's Studies, applicants should complete their BA degree with at least 50 per cent marks. The difficulty level of the entrance examinations can range from moderate to high. But with preparation, you can easily clear the exams.

You should study all the topics for the entrance exam in detail. Besides, you should focus on topics like Indian History, Science and Technology, politics, environment, sports, and more.

Also, you need to master your skills in logical reasoning, mathematics, general awareness, and English.

Syllabus for Distance Program in Women's Studies

Those who don't have sufficient funds to go for a full-time degree course in Women's Studies or don't meet the minimum eligibility requirements for admission into a full-time course can always go for a distance MA or BA in Women's Studies programs offered by well-known universities and colleges. Well, the syllabus of the distance Women's Studies program is similar to a regular program. So, you don't have to worry about the value of your certificate.

The evaluation format is also the same. Apart from different regular colleges, there are universities and colleges like Punjab University, IGNOU, Andhra University, and more, which offer distance learning programs.

To join the program, one should clear an undergraduate course from any registered and recognised university. Besides, the applicants should not have passed their MA examination in the same course from any statutory university.

Top Colleges for Women’s Studies

Considering the selection of electives provided by the colleges and universities, curriculum, faculty as well as placement opportunities, here are the top-rated colleges and universities for Women's Studies in India. It is advisable to go through the syllabus and subjects offered by the colleges before choosing one.

College/University/Institution

Syllabus Links

TISS- Tata Institute of Social Science

To be uploaded soon

IGNOU

Download Here

Pondicherry University

To be uploaded soon

Alagappa University

To be uploaded soon

Aligarh Muslim University

Download Here

Andhra University

To be uploaded soon

Bangalore University

To be uploaded soon

Bharathiar University

To be uploaded soon

Goa University

To be uploaded soon

Karnataka State University

To be uploaded soon

FAQs on Women Studies

Q. What are women's studies in universities and colleges?

A. Women's studies focus on literature, sociology, history, politics as well as the psychology of women's culture. While pursuing the women's studies courses, you will learn about the intersections of society and gender, women's history, their status and rights in this modern society, feminist theory, and more. Some courses also cover masculinity studies, race and gender, and LGBTQ+ studies.

Q. What can one do with a MA or BA in women's studies degree?

A. This program offers many job opportunities, and you can have a good professional career in the future. Students can pursue a career as clinical social workers, victims' advocates, college professors, archivists, lawyers, and more. But you should choose a good college for maximum benefits.

Q. What are women's studies called now?

A. In some colleges and universities, women's studies are called Gender Studies or Feminist Studies. This is the interdisciplinary study on how gender intersectionality of gender, age, race, nationality, sexuality, ability, gender, and more influence different facets of cultural, political as well as a social experience.

Q. Is there any difference between women's studies and gender study programs?

A. Speaking about gender studies, this is a field or interdisciplinary study that focuses on gendered representation or gender identity as the central category of analysis. On the other hand, women's studies is a course or field that primarily focuses on the achievements, experience, roles, etc., of women in society.

Q. What is the major importance of women's studies courses?

A. Women's studies syllabuses followed by most colleges and universities focus on different types of issues regarding race, class, gender, and more. That's why women's studies have become a crucial course.

Q. Which are the best colleges or universities for a Women's Studies course?

A. Some of the top-rated colleges and universities where you can choose to do your MA or BA in women's studies are Punjab University, IGNOU, Tata Institute of Social Science, Dr B.R. Ambedkar University of Social Science, Calicut University, and more.

Q. What are the crucial skills required for women's studies?

A. Some of the important skills required to complete your Women’s Studies course successfully are passion, interest, leadership skills, practical approach, enthusiasm, communications skills, problem-solving skills, and more.

Q. What types of courses can one choose in Women’s Studies?

A. Well, courses available in Women’s Studies will vary from one college to another. However, some of the common options available are MPhil in Women's Studies and PhD. In Women's Studies, BA in Women's Studies, PG Diploma in Women's Studies, and more.

Q. What are the major subjects in Women's Studies?

A. Subjects included in the Women's Studies vary based on the college or university you choose. But if you talk about some of the most common subjects covered in Women's Studies, these are; feminist thinkers and theories, introduction to women's studies, women, work and employment, and more.

Q. Is Women's Studies a valuable course?

A. In general, MA or BA in Women's Studies is considered a preferred course option by students who want to learn about women, their rights, growth, and history. During the course, you will develop different transferable skills. Besides, based on the university or college you choose, you can opt for different specialisations.

Q. Does the Women’s Studies program require NEET?

A. As discussed above, Women's Studies focus on women's history, their culture, and legal rights in society. So, this doesn't require a NEET score. Well, colleges may conduct their own entrance exam for admission.

Q. Are Women's Studies hard to study?

A. Women's Studies courses are designed to offer equal education to both men and women by educating them about the culture and history of women. Besides, it also includes a detailed discussion on different issues, such as the socialisation process. You will find a lot of theoretical topics in these courses, and that can make the learning process a little challenging. However, if you have the required skills and passion, completing this course will be easier for you.

Q. What was the first Women's Studies course offered?

A. As per the data, the first Women's Studies courses were taught at San Diego State University as well as Cornell University in the year 1969. The courses were primarily focused on the issues that developed due to the liberation movement of women.

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Women Studies courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Women Studies.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Women Studies. Students interested in pursuing a career on Women Studies, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

Jun '25 - Jul '25

CPGET 2025 Applications

TENTATIVE

Jul '25

CPGET 2025 Admit Card Release

TENTATIVE

Popular Women Studies Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Women Studies Colleges in India. Learn more about these Women Studies colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
14.39 K
2.73 LPA

#178 India Today

7.2 K - 14.4 K
1 Course
16 K
3 K
5.0
1 Course
9.6 K
6.5 LPA
2 K
4 LPA

Popular Private Women Studies Colleges in India

1 Course
14.39 K
2.73 LPA

#178 India Today

7.2 K - 14.4 K
1 Course
16 K
3 K
5.0
1 Course
9.6 K
6.5 LPA
2 K
4 LPA

Popular Women Studies UG Courses

Following are the most popular Women Studies UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Women Studies PG Courses

Following are the most popular Women Studies PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

There isn't much information about when the semester exam results are declared at GRG School of Management Studies For Women (GRGSMS), but here's some related information about the school:

Tuition fees: The total tuition fees at GRG School of Management Studies For Women range from ?40,000 to ?1.07 L

...more

A

Anurag Shivam

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The TANCET score cutoff for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at GRG School of Management Studies For Women (GRGSMS) in Coimbatore was 2057 in 2022 and 1514 in 2024. 

Here are some other eligibility criteria for the MBA programme at GRGSMS:

Candidates must have a degree in any disc

...more

A

Anurag Shivam

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The MAT result date for GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) is usually similar to the official ones put up along with the MAT test result releases. MAT is taken several times a year: February, May, September, and December. The results usually come out within a few weeks from the date

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

At GRG School of Management Studies For Women (GRGSMS), the MAT cutoff depends on a number of factors like number of applicants, availability of seats, and overall MAT performance. Therefore, the specific cutoff marks for MAT are not disclosed in detail for this college. However, students are expect

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Applications to GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) are:

Eligibility:

A candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in any subject with a minimum of 50% marks (45% in the case of reserved categories).
One should also possess valid scores in any of the national or state-level entrance exa

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Yes, admission at GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) is open for the academic session 2024-25. With a focus on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the institute offers an MBA. MBA admissions can be based on a national or state-level entrance exam such as MAT or TANCET. it i.

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Hostel mess food at GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) is quite good food. The mess serves healthy and balanced meals that cater to different diets. The prep is done very hygienically and according to nutrition needs with the consideration of students. Regular inputs from students a

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Eligibility Criteria for MBA/PGDM at GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) Openings are listed here as follows:

Education Qualifications:

A candidate should have completed her Bachelor's degree in any subject of study from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/S

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Definitely, GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) is one of the eminent institutes, more so in South India. It has earned a lot of popularity by concentrating on both women's education and good management programs, which have an academic and industrial focus. It's affiliated to Bharath

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) is a private institution, which forms part of the GRG Educational Institutions located in easily accessible Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The institution has a niche in management studies with special emphasis on women empowerment.

GRG School of Managem

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Definitely, GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) is very good, especially for women who wish to study management. Here are some things that contribute to the good reputation of the institute:

Excellent Academic Structure: GRGSMS has proper management programs which give both a good the

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Well-known for several merits, GRG School of Management Studies for Women (GRGSMS) is:

Woman-oriented Education: GRGSMS is one of the few institutions in India that offer higher management education exclusively for women's empowerment.

High Academic Reputation: True to its reputation down the years, i

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 64k Colleges
  • 966 Exams
  • 619k Reviews
  • 1500k Answers