Course Overview:
The BA in Women's Studies explores gender, sexuality, and women's roles in society through history, culture, and politics. It offers interdisciplinary perspectives, empowering students with critical thinking skills to address issues of gender equality, social justice, and human rights.
Course Duration:
3 Years (6 Semesters)
Average Fees:
₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year, depending on the institution.
Exams to Attend:
Admission to BA in Women’s Studies is usually merit-based, but some institutions may conduct entrance exams like:
Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET)
Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam (JNUEE)
Christ University Entrance Test (CUET)
Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUCET)
Syllabus (Semester-Wise Breakdown)
Semester 1:
Introduction to Women’s Studies: History and scope of women’s studies, gender as a category of analysis.
Feminist Theories and Movements: Overview of key feminist theories and movements globally and in India.
Gender and Society: Examination of gender roles, social constructs, and intersectionality.
Women and Work: Women's labor, contributions to the economy, and challenges in the workforce.
Communication Skills: Basic communication techniques with a focus on gender sensitivity.
Semester 2:
Women and Human Rights: Women's rights as human rights, global treaties, and Indian constitutional rights.
Gender, Caste, and Class: Interconnections between gender, caste, and class in Indian society.
Women and Education: Historical and contemporary perspectives on women’s access to education.
Feminist Research Methods: Introduction to research methods with a feminist perspective.
Women in Media and Popular Culture: Representation of women in media and its impact on gender norms.
Semester 3:
Women and Development: Gender issues in development, policies for women’s empowerment.
Women, Law, and Politics: Legal frameworks, political participation, and the role of women in governance.
Women’s Health: Issues surrounding women's health, reproductive rights, and healthcare access.
Women and Violence: Study of violence against women, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and legal remedies.
Internship/Fieldwork: Practical experience with NGOs, women’s organizations, or government institutions.
Semester 4:
Feminist Literature and Art: Feminist interpretations of literature and art, women authors and artists.
Gender and Sexuality: Exploration of sexuality, LGBTQ+ issues, and gender identities.
Women and Environment: Women's role in environmental movements, ecofeminism, and sustainable development.
Women and Globalization: Impact of globalization on women’s lives, migration, and global labor markets.
Project/Research Work: Conducting a small research project on a relevant issue in women’s studies.
Semester 5:
Women and Technology: Access to technology, gender gap in STEM fields, and its impact on women.
Women and Religion: Role of religion in shaping women’s roles and status in different societies.
Feminist Policy and Advocacy: Engaging with policies that affect women’s rights and gender equality advocacy.
Women and Literature in India: Study of Indian women authors and feminist writing in the Indian context.
Social Work and Women’s Empowerment: Techniques in social work focused on women's issues and community-based activism.
Semester 6:
Gender and Development Policy: Analyzing policies related to gender and development in India and internationally.
Gender, Migration, and Diaspora: Exploring issues faced by migrant women and women in diasporic communities.
Women’s Rights and Legal Activism: Role of legal activism in promoting women’s rights, case studies of successful movements.
Major Project/Dissertation: A comprehensive research project addressing a significant issue in women’s studies.
Internship/Practical Training: Gaining hands-on experience in women’s organizations, policy research institutions, or social work agencies.
Top 10 Institutions in India (Combined Ranking)
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
Delhi University, New Delhi
Ambedkar University, New Delhi
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
University of Calcutta, Kolkata
Christ University, Bangalore
Panjab University, Chandigarh
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
University of Mumbai, Mumbai
Top 10 Institutions in Kerala
Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
Calicut University, Malappuram
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi
Farook College, Kozhikode
Sacred Heart College, Thevara
St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam
Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi
Kannur University, Kannur