Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 College Catalog 
    
2021-2022 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PSY 216 - Psychology of Gender

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Biological and social explanations of gender development and behaviors. Includes research methods used to study gender, biological sexual differentiation, differential socialization and gender stereotyping, gender differences, limitations of traditional gender roles, cross-cultural gender issues, and changing gender roles.

Recommendation: Completion of PSY 101  before enrolling in this course. REA 091  with a C or better (or assessment into REA 112 ). If any recommended course is taken, see a financial aid or Veteran’s Affairs advisor to determine funding eligibility as appropriate.
Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - SBS and C; Meets CTE - SBS and C.




Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Compare the different approaches to researching gender.
  2. Compare psychology’s approach to gender with the biological approach.
  3. Discuss the effects of biology, psychology, and culture on differential gender socialization, gender stereotyping and schemas.
  4. Summarize psychology’s research findings on gender differences.
  5. Describe the limitations of the traditional female and male gender roles.
  6. Describe cross-cultural gender roles and beliefs.
  7. Assess changes in gender roles with regard to attitudes, beliefs, parenting styles, school, the home and the workplace

Outline:
  1. Research Methods Used in the Study of Gender
    1. Introduction to the study of gender
    2. History of the study of sex differences in psychology
    3. Approaches to researching gender
    4. Gender bias in research
  2. Biological Sexual Differentiation
    1. Stages of sexual differentiation
    2. Hormones and chromosomes
  3. Differential Socialization and Gender Stereotyping
    1. Biological influences
    2. Theories of gender development, including psychodynamic, social learning, cognitive, and gender schema theory
  4. Gender Differences
    1. Cognitive abilities
    2. Schools
    3. Workplace and career
    4. Relationships and sexuality
  5. Limitations of the Traditional Female Gender Role
    1. Homemaker
    2. Career woman
    3. Female gender role conflict
  6. Limitations of the Traditional Male Gender Role
    1. Success norms
    2. Male toughness norms
    3. Anti-femininity norms and homophobia
    4. Male gender role conflict
  7. Cross-Cultural Gender Issues
    1. Roles and beliefs across different ethnic groups within the United States
    2. Roles and beliefs in the United States compared to those of other cultures
  8. Changing Gender Roles
    1. Changes in attitudes, beliefs and expectations
    2. Changes in home, parenting, school and the workplace


Effective Term:
Spring 2016