Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with your academic advisor if you need more help. You can also email sipathway@pdx.edu.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS:
- Full-time is 12 credits. Most courses are 4 credits, so three courses is typically considered full-time. You should also budget 2-3 hours per credit outside of class for homework and studying.
- Consider the times when courses are offered and how they fit in your personal schedule/preferences. If you are not a morning person, you may want to avoid 8 am courses. If you have school-aged children, how does that impact your choices?
- You can earn either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sexuality, Gender & Queer Studies. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
First-Year Students:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| UNST 1XX First Year Inquiry or Honors 101 The Global City (5 credits) | UNST 1XX First Year Inquiry or Honors 101 The Global City (5 credits) | These are yearlong sequences, so check out the First Year Inquiry Planning Guide and Honors website for descriptions and bios, and pick a theme that interests you. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
Any Elective! Suggest looking at WS 101-Intro to Women's Studies | Any Elective! Suggest looking at WS 101-Intro to Women's Studies | You will be require to take 1-3 electives this year; don't be afraid to take something you are interested in! WS 101 is a great class to try, even though it isn't required for the Sexuality, Gender, and Queer Studies major. You can also choose something from this list of introductory classes |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| UNST 2XX Sophomore Inquiry or HON 260 Honors Writing for Sophomore Transfers (4 credits) | UNST 2XX Sophomore Inquiry or HON 260 Honors Writing for Sophomore Transfers (4 credits) | Refer to descriptions on the websites and pick a theme that interests you. You cannot take UNST 231 Gender & Sexualities both for the major and for your Sophomore Inquiry. Plan to take a different SINQ for this requirement. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
UNST 231 Gender & Sexualities or WS 332U Race, Class, Gender, & Sexuality in the US1 WS 360U Intro to Queer Studies | UNST 231 Gender & Sexualities or WS 332U Race, Class, Gender, & Sexuality in the US1 WS 360U Intro to Queer Studies | You cannot take UNST 231 Gender & Sexualities both for the major and for your Sophomore Inquiry. WS 360U is a prerequisite for other required courses in the major. If you think you have taken SGQSS content already, don't take it again without talking to WGSS faculty. |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90-134 credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| Upper Division Cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Upper Division Cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Do not do the Gender & Sexualities cluster--you must take cluster classes outside your major. There are many other great cluster options, depending on your interests. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | If you have completed language or math requirements, replace this class either with another honors/cluster class, or with another class in your major. Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
UNST 231 Gender & Sexualities or WS 332U Race, Class, Gender, & Sexuality in the US1 WS 360U Intro to Queer Studies1 | UNST 231 Gender & Sexualities or WS 332U Race, Class, Gender, & Sexuality in the US1 WS 360U Intro to Queer Studies1 | Junior transfers should try to meet with WGSS faculty as soon as you can. If you think you have taken WS content already, don't take it again without talking to a faculty advisor. If you have not taken these classes/content, please prioritize taking these classes in Fall term. It is OK to do this instead of starting your Cluster requirement. |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
Transfers with 135 or more credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| If in the Honors College, take HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | If in the Honors College, take HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | If you are doing UNST, you only need Senior Capstone, but don't take it during your first term. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | If you have completed language or math requirements, replace this class either with another honors/cluster class, or with another class in your major. Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
| WS 360U Intro to Queer Studies1 | WS 360U Intro to Queer Studies1 | Senior transfers should try to meet with WGSS faculty as soon as you can. If you think you have taken WS content already, don't take it again without talking to a faculty advisor. WS 381 Queer of Color Theorizing & Perspectives is the first in a 3-course sequence and it's only offered Fall term. WS 360U or WS 305 meet the prerequisite. If you think you have met that requirement, prioritize taking this class. |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.
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