Molly Hunken is double-majoring in History and Journalism and getting certificates in Gender & Women’s Studies and European Studies.
Why did you choose GWS?
I have always been interested in learning more about gender and sexuality history, and after taking Gender, Women, and Society in Global Perspective with Dr. Phelps in my first semester at UW in fall of 2021 I knew that I definitely wanted to pursue the GWS Certificate.
I have always been interested in learning more about gender and sexuality history, and after taking Gender, Women, and Society in Global Perspective with Dr. Phelps in my first semester at UW in fall of 2021 I knew that I definitely wanted to pursue the GWS Certificate.
Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?
As a history and journalism student, I have had lots of opportunities in my major-applicable courses to choose my own research topics, and much of what I have learned in my GWS courses has given be useful background knowledge for gender and sexuality historical and current events topics. I’ve gotten to do my own research to learn about indigenous women’s history in America, a queer female-focused neighborhood in north Chicago, women’s history in 1960s Ireland through women’s magazines, a lesbian community and monthly lesbian newsletter from late 20th century La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the development of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in Racine, Wisconsin. My GWS classes have shaped my approach to these projects, and all that I know that all I’ve learned about queer and gender politics and history will continue to be extremely useful after I graduate this spring.
As a history and journalism student, I have had lots of opportunities in my major-applicable courses to choose my own research topics, and much of what I have learned in my GWS courses has given be useful background knowledge for gender and sexuality historical and current events topics. I’ve gotten to do my own research to learn about indigenous women’s history in America, a queer female-focused neighborhood in north Chicago, women’s history in 1960s Ireland through women’s magazines, a lesbian community and monthly lesbian newsletter from late 20th century La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the development of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in Racine, Wisconsin. My GWS classes have shaped my approach to these projects, and all that I know that all I’ve learned about queer and gender politics and history will continue to be extremely useful after I graduate this spring.
How has GWS shaped your future plans?
Although I’m still not completely sure what job I’ll find myself in after I graduate, I know that I’ll be able to use so much of what I’ve learned from my GWS courses in whatever I end up doing. I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about the politics of identity and the importance of free expression, and I’m so grateful to my GWS professors and peers for allowing me to soak up all of their knowledge.