WGSS at Penn State provides students with the various opportunities to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience with applying the knowledge and skills developed in our classes to problems of the real world.
Students can earn academic credit by working with WGSS professors on research, teaching, and other engaged learning activities (e.g., leadership positions in feminist organizations, independent studies). Priority for these positions is given to students who are pursuing a major or minor in WGSS.
Students should not undertake an experiential learning position assuming they will automatically receive a “good” or passing grade; evaluations will be based on performance and faculty hold high evaluative standards for students. Students should anticipate that these experiential learning opportunities will be at least as demanding as a regular 400-level course and should be prepared to devote the necessary time and energy to the position. University guidelines dictate that for each credit taken, a student should work approximately 3 hours per week; thus, to earn 3 credits, a student is expected to work 9 hours per week for each of the 15 weeks of a fall/spring semester, or 18 hours per week during a 6-week summer session. Three credits from these experiences may be used to fulfill students’ upper-level requirements, and additional credits may serve as electives.
Undergraduate Research Assistantships (WMNST 294, 494)
Our WGSS faculty are award-winning scholars whose innovative research and contributions to society have earned national and international recognition. They bring this expertise directly into the classroom but also offer students meaningful opportunities to learn alongside them by providing hands-on teaching and mentorship in research. Many of our faculty are active in advising undergraduate research assistants (RAs). By becoming an RA, students can earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience with applying the knowledge and skills developed in our classes to the research world.
Students should not undertake an RA position assuming they will automatically receive a “good” or passing grade; evaluations will be based on performance and faculty hold high evaluative standards for students. Students should anticipate that these experiential learning opportunities will be at least as demanding as a regular course and should be prepared to devote the necessary time and energy to the position. University guidelines dictate that for each credit taken, a student should work approximately 3 hours per week; thus, to earn 3 credits, a student is expected to work 9 hours per week for each of the 15 weeks of a fall/spring semester, or 18 hours per week during a 6-week summer session. Three credits from these experiences may be used to fulfill students’ upper-level requirements, and additional credits may serve as electives.
Faculty research advisors serve as mentors to their RAs, teach RAs about the broader functions and implications of their research, and provide ample opportunities for RAs to strengthen skills that will prepare them for future careers. For example, students can expect that, in addition to gaining in-depth content knowledge, they will acquire better skills in communication, collaboration, organization, problem-solving, and resourcefulness through research.
To work with a faculty member on their research as an RA, students must contact a professor to inquire about possible opportunities. Students who are accepted for the position and wish to earn credit for becoming involved in faculty-led research may enroll in WMNST 294 or 494 for 1-3 research credits. Together, the faculty advisor and student must establish a work plan and complete the required 1-page form.
Faculty interested in advising research assistants in Fall 2026
Keywords: Masculinity, Far Right Ideologies, Environment/Climate/Sustainability
If interested, contact scott.burnett@psu.edu
Dr. Burnett is seeking social media-savvy research assistants to work on two projects: (1) tracking the new masculinism, trying to understand how health and fitness influencers combine anti-feminism with far-right ideological trends to appeal to new audiences; and (2) green capitalism and eco-modernism from an intersectional perspective: how are gendered norms and racial regimes reproduced in thinking about green futures? Students can be interested in only one of these projects or both.
Keywords: Stigma, Queer and Trans Psychology, Reproductive Justice, Social Psychology
If interested, contact jmatsick@psu.edu
The Underrepresented Perspectives (UP) Lab in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies examines the psychological experiences of people with stigmatized or marginalized statuses. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the lab focuses on the factors that shape people’s experiences of belonging, safety, and autonomy. Current projects explore perceptual biases in recognizing transgender people’s pain, reproductive rights, the stigma of sex work, and predictors of support for LGBTQ-affirming policies.
Keywords: Climate Change, International Development, Sustainability, Gender & Race
If interested, contact aparna@psu.edu
The GRIDS lab is looking for students who want to conduct data collection and organize case studies on initiatives related to development, urbanism, and climate change in various global settings. The case studies would contribute towards building a broader database on the subject. Those with an interest in learning about digital data collection and basic qualitative analysis would enjoy this role. I would provide all necessary training to conduct the research. If you are more broadly interested in being part of a lab focused on gender and race in international development and sustainability initiatives, even if not linked with this specific project, please feel free to reach out.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistantships (WMNST 496)
Qualified undergraduates, who have previously completed a WGSS course and earned a grade of B or higher, may apply to serve as a teaching assistant (TAs) for the course, working under the supervision of a willing faculty mentor. TAs are chosen entirely at the discretion of the faculty advisor, and the duties of the position will vary from course to course. Time spent attending class, reading, or performing other duties directly related to assisting with the course count toward the TA hours. TA responsibilities can include assisting with any of the following
- Facilitating group discussions and leading in-class activities
- Managing class resources such as slides, films, transparencies, etc.
- Developing questions for discussion, quizzes, and exams
- Identifying extracurricular events and activities related to the course
- Maintaining the course website and managing communications to students
- Preparing research bibliographies and suggested project lists
- Maintaining a weekly journal of insights, questions, and class observations
Students who are accepted by a faculty member for a teaching position and wish to earn credit may enroll in WMNST 496 for 1-3 credits. Together, the faculty advisor and student must establish a work plan and complete the required form for WMNST 496. They then send the form to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in WGSS who will enroll the student in the course.
Faculty advisors serve as mentors to their TAs, and discuss feminist pedagogy, reading selections, class dynamics, and other relevant issues with their TAs. They also provide ample opportunities for TAs to strengthen skills that will prepare them for future careers. For example, students can expect that, in addition to gaining in-depth content knowledge, they will acquire better skills in communication, collaboration, organization, problem-solving, and resourcefulness through research.
TAs are not permitted to grade other students’ work and must refer any conflicts or difficult situations involving other students to the faculty advisor immediately.
Independent Study and Practice (WMNST 496)
Students pursue independent study and practice for a variety of reasons. Independent study and practice in WGSS is an opportunity to explore topics not covered by standard course offerings, to pursue topics covered in standard courses in much greater depth, and/or to engage in feminist praxis in addressing real-world problems. In the latter case, students who have obtained leadership roles in relevant campus and community organizations can earn independent study credits by bridging feminist scholarship with feminist praxis, as advised by a WGSS faculty member or the Director of Undergraduate Studies (see also WMNST 401: Doing Feminism: Theory and Practice).
Students who are accepted by a faculty member to complete an independent study and wish to earn credit may enroll in WMNST 496 for 1-3 credits. Together, the faculty advisor and student must establish a work plan and complete the required form for WMNST 496. They then send the form to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in WGSS who will enroll the student in the course.
Independent study should not be used as a substitute for regularly offered courses. Students interested in pursuing independent study must have a clear topic, aim and purpose, or relevant position in upholding feminist praxis that complements what they have learned from WGSS coursework.