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PSYC 391

I. Course Title: Psychology of Women

II. Course Number: PSYC 391

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits 

IV. Prerequisites: PSYC 121

V. Course Description: 

Examines topics in psychology that are of specific relevance to women’s development, including gender socialization, the impact of stereotypes, and sex roles. Students will learn to think critically about gender issues as they explore relationships, communication, work, health, and sexuality.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. This course may be used to meet requirements for the minor in Women’s Studies.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Major topics to be covered in a typical semester will include: 

  1. Theoretical perspectives on gender
  2. Gender stereotypes and differences
  3. The intersection of gender and ethnicity
  4. Gender and communication
  5. Gender and emotion
  6. Lifespan development 
  7. Abilities, motivation, and achievement
  8. Gender and work
  9. Biology and gender
  10. Psychology, gender, and health
  11. Gender and sexuality
  12. Gender and victimization
  13. Gender and mental health issues

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

A number of instructional strategies will be employed to enhance student engagement, and may include any or all of the following general strategies.  

  • Lecture
  • Online content, activities, and assignments
  • Individual and group presentations 
  • Individual and collaborative research activities
  • Community-based projects
  • Video instruction
  • Instructor-led class discussions
  • Small-group discussions
  • Informal writing activities
  • Written and critical thinking assignments
  • Group activities
  • Case studies
  • Guest speakers

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

  1. Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:
  2. Describe the impact of culture, race, class, and other factors on women’s lives
  3. Analyze issues relevant to women’s psychological development related to employment, interpersonal relationships, sexuality, reproduction, ageing, health, and violence.
  4. Articulate the social construction of issues related to gender
  5. Integrate personal perspectives with theories and current research findings
  6. Discuss contemporary issues that shape women’s experiences
  7. Identify important issues in the field of psychology as these relate to women and gender
  8. Evaluate research conducted in the psychology of women
  9. Critique psychological theories and the impact that gender, power, and women’s diversity have on scientific knowledge
  10. Distinguish between scientific findings and myths regarding gender differences.
  11. Identify the physical, cognitive, and social factors central to women across their lifespan.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:

  • Examinations (Objective and essay questions)
  • In-class or out-of-class quizzes
  • Student Presentations
  • In-class discussion and participation
  • Written assignments/projects
  • Evaluation of research
  • In-class application assignments
  • Online assignments
  • Group participation
  • Class attendance

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

September 2001 Updated and put in new format Alastair V. E. Harris

March 01, 2021