PSY 307 - Current Topics in Gender

(3 Credits)

This course is designed to introduce students to the psycho-sociological analysis of sex and gender in American culture. As part of this course, students will learn about the various conceptualizations of sex and gender and the theoretical and methodological issues relevant to gender studies. Students will develop an understanding of the relations between men and women, how these relations have changed over time, and how they are imbedded in social institutions such as families, and the legal, economic, and educational systems. By taking this course students will gain an appreciation of the sex and gender differences in health, career, aging, and demography as well as the diversity of experiences among men and women. This course will provide a broad interdisciplinary examination of issues involving gender such as reproductive rights, gender and body image, power differentials, the origins of patriarchy, and social class. (one-week seminar format)