The Minor in Queer Studies brings together the interdisciplinary theories and methods of queer studies. Through histories of movements from lesbian, gay, trans, queer, two spirit, and genderqueer communities, the minor introduces students to expressions and experiences of sexuality across identities, cultures, and historical periods. The minor centers on the understanding of sexuality and gender as constructed, historically contingent, and frequently policed, as well as their intersections with race, gender, nation, and disability.
Students will develop a critical analysis of the ways in which the organization of desire has determined norms, produced forms of oppression and resistance, and shaped political institutions. Courses focus on the political and forces related to sexuality, gender expression, and family formation, with particular attention to how the assumptions, language, and power of science, medicine, law, and religion work to explain and regulate sexuality.
The minor is open to any student in any major or minor. This minor will help prepare students for graduate programs and careers in many fields, including health, law, journalism, and business, all of which are urgently looking to adequately address the needs and potential of our LGBTQ+ world.
For more information, please visit the department website.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Describe and demonstrate knowledge of queer studies texts, histories, and contemporary movements.
- Apply and explain central queer studies engagement with feminist theory, critical race studies, environmental justice, patriarchy, and the global circulation of ideas and movements.
- Demonstrate skills in the application of queer theory as it relates to gender, sexuality, and organizations of social life.
- Assess and research sex, gender, and sexuality.
- Analyze research from queer studies perspectives and queer methodological interventions.
To add this minor, you can either call the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center at 970-491-3117 or or send an email to cla_advising@colostate.edu.
More information is available on https://advising.libarts.colostate.edu.
Effective Fall 2025
Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.
Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| ETST 201 | Introduction to Queer Studies | 3 |
| ETST 267/WS 267 | Genderqueer and Transgender Studies | 3 |
| ETST 417/WS 417 | Queer Theory | 3 |
| Emphasis Areas: | ||
| Assemblages with Race, Gender, Nation, Disability (select one course from the following): | 3 | |
| Queer Studies and Women of Color | ||
| Queer Indigenous Studies | ||
| Indigenous Consciousness and Gender | ||
| Black Feminism(s) | ||
| Disability, Race, Gender in the Environment | ||
| Race and Sexuality | ||
| Electives (select three courses from the following): | 9 | |
| LGBTQ+ Literature | ||
| Queer Studies and Women of Color | ||
| Queer Indigenous Studies | ||
| Indigenous Consciousness and Gender | ||
| Black Feminism(s) | ||
| Queer Creative Expressions | ||
| Disability, Race, Gender in the Environment | ||
| History of Sexuality in America | ||
| Race and Sexuality | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 21 | |