Research

Proposal Topic Description

I have chosen to propose: All incoming Boise State University students
(including students of senior standing, transfer students, and non traditional
students) should be required to accrue a minimum of 1 credit of gender
studies course(s) and materials prior to graduation.

My proposal would require each individual planning to graduate from Boise State
University, beginning at the start of the Fall 2017 semester, to accrue 1 credit of
gender studies course(s).

Exposure to knowledge of sexual assault, LGBT communities, gender constructs, the
definitions of gender and sex, definitions of misogyny and the patriarch, sensitivity
and acceptance of minorities, and understating the inequalities towards women in
the workplace create a aware and understanding individual.

This information is critical on college campuses to fight sexual assault, propagation
of rape culture, and to promote respect. Coinciding with the No Means No, and the
Yes Means Yes, movements, teaching a collective 12 hours of gender studies
education to all students promotes a healthy, safe, and tolerant campus.

This information is also critical to develop accepting and empowering students who
accept all persons despite sexual orientation, gender, etc.

My proposal includes a tentative list of ideas considering how to create a one-credit
plan to accomplish this proposition.

I have chosen this topic for two primary reasons. The first being an intimate
understanding of the power of gender studies in academia. In my second year at
Idaho State University, I was awarded the womens studies scholarship and began
working towards a minor in the subject. I was fortunate to study under Dr. Lynn
Worsham who taught Gender In Literature. Not only was I exposed to an amazing
gamut of literature, the journals and books I read concerning gender constructs,
power dichotomies, and oppression opened my eyes and my heart to a subject that
has since been very important to me.

I see a startling lack of understanding in college-aged students when I discuss the
difference between sex and gender, ideas concerning patriarchal influence in
America, or societal constructs of gender. Often times I find that this lack of
knowledge creates insensitivities and causes people to cling to oppressing and
marginalizing ideas of sexuality. As we continue into a more tolerant and accepting
age where great strides have been made for sexual minorities, it is in the best
interest of a college campus to promote tolerance, acceptance, and available
information for all students. Though many ideas concerning gender are contentious,

there are solidified facts and academically accepted ideas that belong in an
institution that promotes progression.

In my proposal I would like to first address the need for universal gender studies
education on campus by addressing five distinct topics:
Assault prevention
Further insight into power dynamics and misogyny
Acceptance and information of the LGBT community
Empowerment of women
Sensitivity and tolerance on campus and in the workforce

Secondly I would like to follow the claim with a description of ways to achieve the
proposal, potential funding, and ultimately the benefits of enacting this proposal on
campus.

I want to further my learning specifically in the benefits of programs like this and
the importance of gender education on campuses in America.