20809253Sociology of Gender
Course Information
Description
Examine the social construction of gender and its influence on identity, relationships, and life experiences. Students explore the importance and power of gender as well as how gender intersects with other social categories such as race, class, and sexuality. Topics include gender socialization, inequality, and social change. Students reflect on the cultural reinforcement of gender norms and the ways in which individuals and institutions challenge them.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore the sociological approach to studying gender
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Evaluate key theoretical approaches used to study gender such as feminist theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and queer theory
    Analyze how gender is rooted in social life and social structures
    Explain how gender is a part of a network of social inequalities
    Differentiate between gender and sex
    Identify key terminology in discussing and sociologically analyzing gender such as cisgender, transgender, intersex, and nonbinary

  2. Analyze the social construction of gender
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Explain how gender is a social creation or construct
    Describe how gender norms, roles, and identities are shaped by society
    Compare gender constructs across different cultures and historical periods
    Assess the idea of a gender binary as well as its shortcomings
    Identify gender identities beyond the binary, both in the U.S. and in other societies
    Analyze scholarly research on gender differences and similarities
    Identify challenges to gender normative behavior both individually and institutionally

  3. Examine the performative nature of gender
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Identify gender norms in society
    Evaluate how people “do gender” by adhering to or challenging societal expectations
    Analyze how gender is an ongoing, dynamic process for individuals
    Analyze cultural responses to gender conformity and nonconformity
    Examine cross-cultural variation in gender norms
    Explore gender strategies related to masculinities, femininities, and doing nonbinary
    Explore how gender performance intersects with other identities such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, age, or ability

  4. Explore intersectionality
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Examine how gender intersects with other social categories such as race, ethnicity, social class, sexuality, ability, age, religion, and others
    Describe how intersections produce diverse identities, gender performances, and experiences
    Analyze how intersecting statuses connect to patterns of privilege and inequality

  5. Analyze inequality, privilege, and power
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Identify common themes within past and present examples of gender inequality
    Correlate how power, privilege, and status are linked to gender
    Analyze male privilege and how it upholds gender inequality
    Describe the facets of heteronormative culture
    Analyze heterosexual privilege
    Evaluate sexism and heterosexism on both a structural and individual level

  6. Illustrate the gender socialization process
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Describe the family’s role in gender socialization
    Analyze other agents of socialization such as peers, media, religion, and educators
    Relate gender socialization to identity, roles, relationships, and life experiences
    Analyze gender socialization across the lifespan

  7. Analyze how gender impacts social interactions.
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Identify various gender strategies used in social interactions
    Explore the ways in which gender influences work relationships, friendships, and intimate relationships
    Describe the impact of gender on the division of labor in the household as well as parenthood
    Explore how gendered interactions are influenced by other social identities such as race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, disability, or class

  8. Examine gender in various institutions and systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Analyze systems of oppression
    Explore the relationship between gender and various institutions and contexts such as the family, media, education, or work
    Describe how gender relates to political representation, leadership, and power
    Evaluate the role of social institutions in reinforcing or challenging gender norms

  9. Analyze gender and violence
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Describe the relationship between gender and crime and violence
    Identify different forms of gender-based harassment and violence
    Analyze cultural and institutional contributions to gender violence

  10. Evaluate individual, structural, and societal transformations
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Trace how our interpretations and representations of gender have changed throughout modern history
    Identify cultural or structural changes that have led to greater gender equity and equality
    Describe the significance of feminist movements in securing political, legal, and/or social changes
    Describe how social movements such as the LGBTQ+ rights movement, disability rights movement, or racial justice movements play key roles in addressing inequalities and oppression