SOCI 1030 - Introduction to Gender Studies

3 sem hrs cr

This course will enable the student to understand the various roles and identities of women in society and the interconnectedness of micro and macro level issues. The student will be able to discuss topics such as the social construction of gender, patriarchy, media influence, and women’s experiences with healthcare, education, family, work, and violence.

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

• To describe and critically assess biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on sex and gender
• To explore how gender roles vary across cultures
• To understand how we are socialized into gendered roles in our families, schools, and at work
• To investigate the role that gender plays in creating social, economic, and political inequality in society
• To recognize the consequences of our gender categories for your intimate relationships and our health
• To discuss the role of social movements in challenging gender roles and expectations
• To reflect upon the future of gender in the US

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Critically analyze and evaluate major feminist and gender theories
• Understand the historical and cultural diversity of gender constructs
• Explore and evaluate cross-cultural perspectives on gender relations
• Recognize the representations of gender and “difference” in society
• Investigate the political, economic, and social implications of gender constructs
• Explain how gender influences social institutions (families, the media, friendship and dating, etc.) and our ways of thinking
• Give examples of gender, race, class, nation, religion, and sexuality as interactive systems

COURSE TOPICS/OVERVIEW

• Biology and Gender
• Cross-Cultural Constructions of Gender
• Psychological Perspectives on Gender
• Social Construction of Gender
• The Gendered Family
• The Gendered Classroom
• Gender and Religion
• The Gendered Workplace
• The Gendered Media
• Gender and Politics
• Gendered Intimacies
• The Gendered Body
• The Gender of Violence