Overview

The IRW Learning Community is a twice-yearly, credit-granting learning community organized in conjunction with the seminars and lectures hosted by the Institute for Research on Women.

As IRW Learning Community Scholars, selected Rutgers sophmores, juniors and seniors are able to:

• Create a peer intellectual community while building networks with scholars, activists and professionals;
• Work closely with Rutgers faculty participating in the IRW weekly seminar;
• Meet with and discuss the work of three IRW Distinguished Lecturers;
• Learn about a range of disciplinary approaches to research and present a project related to the IRW's annual theme;
• Earn 1.5 course credits.

IRW Learning Community Scholars build community through weekly meetings, discussion of readings and attendance at IRW Distinguished Lectures. Additionally, Learning Community Scholars work with IRW faculty and graduate students to create theme-related research projects.  While focusing on their own research interests, Scholars have the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field.

The 2012-13 IRW Learning Community

The 2012-13 IRW Learning Community will encourage a broad conversation about the most recent redefinitions in Women’s, Queer and Sexuality Studies in dialogue with debates on trans issues. We invite applications from sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are interested in exploring aspects of Gender, Sexuality, and/or Trans studies. Students will develop their own projects, which may focus on any time period(s) or geographical location(s) and be rooted in any disciplinary or interdisciplinary approach(es). Possible topics include (but are not limited to):

• Intersectional oppressions: race, gender, class, sexuality;
• The relationship between feminist theory, queer theory and trans theory;
• The relationship between LGB and T in movement politics, nationally and internationally;
• The most pressing medical/social/legal/public policy issues affecting trans people;
• Sexual rights as human rights.

Through group discussion, participation in the IRW Distinguished Lecture Series, faculty mentoring, and special events, undergraduate scholars will create an intellectual space where they will develop research skills and theoretical understandings in preparation for independent or collaborative scholarship. Members of the Learning Community will have the chance to build networks with scholars, activists and professionals as they develop plans for graduate or professional education and careers.

**Apply to be a Learning Community Scholar in Fall 2012.**

For more information

For more information please see the Frequently Asked Questions or contact Yomaira Figueroa, the IRW Learning Community Coordinator.

The IRW Learning Community is supported by the Office of the Vice President for Undergraduate Education.