Frequently Asked Questions

Programs & Academic Pathways

What programs are offered?
We offer a major and minor in Women’s & Gender Studies, along with minors in Critical Race Studies, Disability Studies, and Sexuality Studies.

Who can take FIST courses?
Everyone! Our courses welcome all genders and backgrounds. We study gender, race, sexuality, disability, and colonialism in inclusive ways.

Can I double major or minor with FIST?
Absolutely. Students often combine FIST with Sociology, Political Science, Journalism, Law, History, Media, or Health Sciences. Advising support is available to help you plan.

Is FIST only for women?
No. FIST programs welcome students of all genders. Our courses critically examine gender alongside race, sexuality, disability, and colonial histories.

What can I do with a Women’s & Gender Studies degree?
Graduates work in NGOs, government, journalism, media, law, education, health, advocacy, and more. You’ll develop highly transferable skills in critical thinking, writing, research, and leadership.

What can I do after graduation?
Many alumni pursue careers in public service, community organizations, and creative industries, or continue to graduate studies.

Courses & Registration

I’m having trouble registering for a FIST course — what should I do?
There may be several reasons for this:

• You do not have the prerequisites
• You have a time-table conflict (you cannot take two classes that run at the same time and day)
• There is no more room in this class and/or the Waiting List is full

You may be able to resolve this issue by filling out a Registration Override Request (found on Carleton Central under “Registration”). The Academic Advisor will look at your request within 48 hours and will inform you as to whether you will be allowed to register.

What are prerequisites?
Prerequisites are courses that must be taken BEFORE another course is taken. For example, you cannot take second year WGST 2800 before you have taken first year WGST 1808 or its equivalent.   Prerequisites may also be a certain level of standing, for example, you may choose to take WGST 3005 only if you have third year standing in your program.

In choosing courses, it is extremely important that you check the prerequisites listed in the course descriptions part of your Calendar.  Success in the course will be jeopardized if you do not possess the appropriate prerequisites. Also, when you are planning your courses, it is important to look ahead to courses you wish to take in future years and ensure you take the required prerequisite courses beforehand.

What is the difference between lower and upper-level courses?
Typically, lower level courses are courses numbered as 100 or 200; these are generally completed in the first and second years of degree programs. Upper level courses are courses numbered 300 and 400 and are usually completed in the third and fourth years of degree programs.

How do I choose which courses to take?
Course selection must be completed according to the requirements of the faculty or school and major department(s) in which the student is registering.   The Carleton undergraduate calendar lists all programs and what the requirements are for that program. For example, each program has a list of compulsory courses a student must register in, and complete. For example, for a B. A. in Women’s and Gender Studies, a student would be required to take WGST 1808, Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies or FYSM 1402 Issues in Women’s Studies or FYSM 1403 Women and the Arts in their first year. After first year, you get to choose from more courses that interest you within that program of study.   Each Program has different course requirements.  Please consult your academic calendar.

Learning Experience

What kind of hands-on learning can I do?
Students engage in community-based research, activist projects, practicums, co-op programs and experiential learning that builds real-world skills.

Can undergraduates do research or publish?
Yes! Students can collaborate with faculty, join research teams, and even publish or present at conferences.

Are there scholarships or awards?
FIST offers program-specific awards and connects students to Carleton-wide scholarships, travel grants, and research funding.

Advising & Student Support

What support is available for students?
Our Undergraduate & Graduate Advisor (Fady Shanouda) offers program and course advising. Peer mentorship, writing help, and community events also support your success.

Who is the academic supervisor in Women’s & Gender Studies?
If you have problems with your audit, for example: a course completed not shown counting towards your degree, or registration, you may also speak to Lana Keon, the Institute Administrator, at 613-520-6645.

You may also contact Fady Shanouda, Assistant Professor. He is the Undergraduate and Graduate Advisor.
1426 Dunton Tower, (613) 520-2600 ex. 4209

To whom should I speak about the graduate program?
Contact Fady Shanouda, Assistant Professor, or the Institute Administrator, Lana Keon.

How do I apply to the Women’s and Gender Studies Graduate Program?
For information on applying to the Women’s and Gender Studies Graduate program visit the program page.

How do I get started?
Explore the programs page, review course offerings, connect with the Adviser, or attend a FIST event to meet students and faculty.