An Iowa College in the Liberal Arts Tradition
Understanding intersections and multiplicity of identities, embodied knowing, and systems of power to enact change.
Why Pursue Identity Studies?
It's a new major and minor that integrates the scholarly endeavor of Africana Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Asian Studies, and Dance.
Identity Studies will also help you learn how to:
- Apply multiple perspectives: make connections across disciplines and practice embracing multiple perspectives to better understand yourself and others.
- Unlearn: Cast off dominant narratives to more accurately understand the processes of the world around you.
- Change the world: Recognize systems of power and get hands-on experience making change both in and out of the classroom.
Major Requirements
All Identity Studies majors take an introductory course, a course on theory of power and domination, and a course that focuses on global traditions.
All Identity Studies majors can choose an area of emphasis from the following:
- Race/ethnicity—courses celebrate the unique contributions of peoples of color and interrogates constructs of race and ethnicity
- Gender/sexuality—courses are centrally informed by questions about gender and sexuality
- Body studies—courses emphasize bodily practice, movement, demeanor, and inhabited/lived space
