Psychology 307 Course Offerings

Course Information

• Department: Psychology
• Prepared By: Dr. Carter
• Prepared Date: Fall 2017
• Course Title: Psychology of Women
• Course Code: PSY 307
• Credits: 3
• Contact Hours: 45

Catalog Description

This course is about being female in American culture. The purpose of the course is to examine the lives of girls and women from a feminist psychological perspective. It addresses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influencing women’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The course is “woman-affirming” as it will examine and validate women’s experiences and perspectives. The course will highlight how race, class, and sexual orientation intersect with gender to affect women’s lives. Topics will include: behavioral and psychological gender differences and their origins; concepts of femininity and gender stereotypes; pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood; women, achievement and work; violence against women; women and mental health (disparity in diagnosis and treatment); and feminist psychology. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 Credits: 3 (3,0)

Course Description

This course is about being female in our culture. The purpose of the course is to examine the lives of girls and women from a feminist psychological perspective. It addresses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influencing women’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The course is “woman-affirming” as we examine and validate women’s experiences and perspectives. The course will highlight how race, class, and sexual orientation intersect with gender to affect women’s lives. Topics will include: behavioral and psychological gender differences and their origins; concepts of femininity and gender stereotypes; pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood; women, achievement and work; violence against women; women and mental health (disparity in diagnosis and treatment); and feminist psychology.

• Prerequisites: PSY 101, or PSY 130, PSY 131
• Required For: None
• Elective For: Applied Psychology
• Text: The Psychology of Women by Matlin, M. (2012). 7th edition Wadsworth.

Instructor: Dr. Marya Howell-Carter	Time: XXXXX
Phone: (631) 420-2236	Office Hours: XXXX
E-mail:	Office: XXXX

Course Description

This course is about being female in our culture. The purpose of the course is to examine the lives of girls and women from a feminist psychological perspective. It addresses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influencing women’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The course is “woman-affirming” as we examine and validate women’s experiences and perspectives. The course will highlight how race, class, and sexual orientation intersect with gender to affect women’s lives. Topics will include: behavioral and psychological gender differences and their origins; concepts of femininity and gender stereotypes; pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood; women, achievement and work; violence against women; women and mental health (disparity in diagnosis and treatment); and feminist psychology.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course you should be able to:

1. understand what feminist psychology is and how feminist research is conducted.

2. explain gender-role development from a variety of theoretical perspectives.

3. explain how being gendered affects our lives.

4. explain how the media influences gender roles and gender stereotypes.

5. critically examine research on sex similarities and differences.

6. understand typical developmental issues faced by women.

7. understand key issues affecting women’s physical and mental health.

8. discuss the contributions of women psychologists to the field of psychology

Credits: 3

Contact Hours: 45

Prerequisites: PSY 101

Required for: None

Elective for: Applied Psychology and Women, Gender and Sexuality

Required Texts: TBD

Optional Texts: TBD

Teaching Methods: TBD

Methods of Evaluation: TBD

Disagreements or conflicts: In the event of a disagreement with any of the policies outlined above, the student is directed to address the issue with the instructor. In the event that the conflict cannot be resolved, it should be taken to the department head, Dr. Gene Indenbaum (934-420-2725), for review.

Special needs: If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to inform me of this circumstance by the end of the second class. Please also contact/register with the Director of the Office for Students with Disabilities, located in Laffin Hall (934-420-2411/2296).

Grade Scale:

93 - 100%     A

90 - 92%       A

87 - 89%       B+

83 - 86%       B

80 - 82%       B

77 - 79%       C+

73 - 76%       C

70 - 72%       C

67 - 69%       D+

60 - 66%       D

0 - 59%         F

Material to be covered

Weeks 1&2: Theory (Feminist theory, Psychological Theory)

Weeks 3&4: Social Construction of Gender, Stereotypes of Women, Images of Women in the Media

Week 5: Gender Differences

Week 6: Biological Influences on Women’s Behavior

Week 7: Psychology and Women’s Health

Week 8: Women and Mental Health

Week 9: Women and Mental Health

Week 10: Female Sexuality

Weeks 11&12: Women, Marriage, Childbirth and Mothering

Week 13: Women of Color

Week 14: Violence Against Women

Week 15: Women and Work