History (Thematic concentration in Women, Gender and Sexuality)
The History (Thematic Concentration in Women, Gender and Sexuality) program at the University of Duke provides an in-depth and interdisciplinary exploration of how gender and sexuality have shaped, and been shaped by, historical processes across cultures and time periods. This four-year program centers on the experiences, representations, and agency of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, while also interrogating the construction of gender roles, norms, and power structures. Students engage with primary sources, feminist and queer theory, and global case studies to develop a critical historical perspective on identity, resistance, and social change. The curriculum connects the study of personal and collective lives to larger political, economic, and cultural forces.
Students are introduced to diverse narratives through coursework in social, cultural, political, and intellectual history, spanning ancient to contemporary periods. Themes such as reproductive rights, labor, sexuality, intersectionality, and legal reform are explored through local and transnational lenses. The program encourages independent research, collaborative learning, and public engagement through seminars, archival work, and interdisciplinary electives. Faculty mentorship supports students as they formulate questions, interpret evidence, and articulate arguments with clarity and depth. By emphasizing historical context, analytical thinking, and ethical inquiry, the program equips learners to explore how gendered experiences are both historically situated and globally relevant.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: History (Thematic concentration in Women, Gender and Sexuality)
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Duke University, United States
- Field of Study: History
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Historical Inquiry and Gender Foundations
• Introduction to Historical Thinking
• Global Histories of Women
• Writing Gender in Historical Perspective
• Foundations in Gender and Sexuality Studies
Year 2 – Power, Identity and Representation
• History of Feminist Movements
• Gender, Empire and Colonialism
• Sexuality and the State
• Research Methods in Gender History
Year 3 – Intersectionality and Transnational Themes
• Race, Gender and Class in History
• Queer Histories and Cultures
• Women and Labor in Global Contexts
• Archival Practices and Oral History
Year 4 – Specialization and Public Engagement
• Seminar in Women and Gender History
• Senior Capstone or Thesis
• Activism and Historical Memory
• Elective in Law, Public Policy or Media
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well prepared for careers in fields that demand strong analytical, research, and communication skills along with an understanding of identity, power, and social systems. Many pursue roles in advocacy and nonprofit work, education, public policy, and media, where they contribute to equity, awareness, and systemic change. Others continue their studies in graduate programs focused on history, gender studies, law, or sociology. The program also supports paths in museum work, human rights, publishing, and community engagement. With its focus on historical investigation and intersectional thinking, the program cultivates a deep awareness of how past structures continue to inform the present, empowering graduates to promote inclusive understanding and justice in diverse professional contexts.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a meaningful academic experience for students who wish to examine history through the lenses of gender and sexuality, and to explore how these identities intersect with broader social, political, and cultural developments. The curriculum fosters intellectual curiosity and critical awareness, encouraging students to challenge dominant narratives and engage with underrepresented voices. Through coursework, research, and dialogue, students deepen their understanding of how ideas about gender and sexuality have evolved and how those ideas continue to shape institutions and experiences. The opportunity to work closely with faculty, conduct original research, and explore interdisciplinary connections makes the program both rigorous and personally relevant. Its dedication to linking historical knowledge with gender-conscious analysis offers students a powerful foundation for academic growth and meaningful societal impact.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 (919) 684-8111
Email: admissions@duke.edu
Address: University of Duke, Durham, North Carolina, United States
