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鈥檚 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鈥檚 Studies.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
Major topics to be covered in a typical semester will include:
- Theoretical perspectives on gender
- Gender stereotypes and differences
- The intersection of gender and ethnicity
- Gender and communication
- Gender and emotion
- Lifespan development
- Abilities, motivation, and achievement
- Gender and work
- Biology and gender
- Psychology, gender, and health
- Gender and sexuality
- Gender and victimization
- 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:
- Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the impact of culture, race, class, and other factors on women鈥檚 lives
- Analyze issues relevant to women鈥檚 psychological development related to employment,
interpersonal relationships, sexuality, reproduction, ageing, health, and violence.
- Articulate the social construction of issues related to gender
- Integrate personal perspectives with theories and current research findings
- Discuss contemporary issues that shape women鈥檚 experiences
- Identify important issues in the field of psychology as these relate to women and
gender
- Evaluate research conducted in the psychology of women
- Critique psychological theories and the impact that gender, power, and women鈥檚 diversity
have on scientific knowledge
- Distinguish between scientific findings and myths regarding gender differences.
- 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