Intro to Women's & Gender Studies and Intro to Sexuality Studies are essential in providing one of the intellectual and social foundations that Columbia should impart to its students over an undergraduate's four years of study.

Both meet Columbia's criteria concerning what each student is meant to derive from the Core: "a wide-ranging perspectives on significant ideas", "an education at Columbia [that] begins with an emphasis on active intellectual engagement", and "a rigorous preparation for life as an engaged citizen in today’s complex and changing world".

Making Intro to Women and Gender Studies and Intro to Sexuality Studies Global Core classes will offer Columbia students an interdisciplinary introduction to key concepts and analytical categories; grappling with the complexities of intersectionality, students will be provided with wide perspectives on conversations that are truly globally meaningful.