20809253Sociology of Gender
Course Information
Description
Sociologically examines the importance and power of gender, particularly as it pertains to the status of women and men in society. Students explore the social construction of gender and its impact on identity, roles, relationships, and life experiences. Attention is given to the gender socialization process as well as the ways in which gender impacts romantic and family relationships, division of labor, parenthood, sexuality, crime and violence, media, employment, health, education, religion, political participation, and power. Throughout the course, students reflect upon past, present, and future gender patterns, considering the cultural reinforcement of gender norms as well as the ways in which individuals and institutions challenge them.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Examine the sociological definition of gender
    Assessment Strategies
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    Criteria
    Differentiate between gender and sex
    Describe how sociologists study the gender system
    Identify key theoretical approaches used to study gender
    Examine the gender binary and non-binary alternatives
    You avoid essentialist, reductionist explanations of gender
    Challenge assumptions and stereotypes about gender and the social world
    Analyze the intersection of gender with other social locations such as race, class, sexuality, age, and ethnicity

  2. Analyze the social construction of gender
    Assessment Strategies
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    Criteria
    Examine how social constructs of gender vary across cultures
    Identify societal standards of femininity and masculinity
    Relate gender to identity, roles, relationship, and life experiences
    Describe the re-creation and construction of gender in our everyday lives
    Analyze cultural reinforcement of gender norms
    Identify challenges to gender normative behavior both individually and institutionally

  3. Analyze inequality, privilege, and power
    Assessment Strategies
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    Criteria
    Identify past and present examples of gender inequality
    Examine how power, privilege, and status are linked to gender
    Analyze male privilege and the means by which it upholds gender inequality
    Describe the facets of heteronormative culture
    Analyze heterosexual privilege
    Evaluate sexism and heterosexism on both a structural and individual level
    Recognize how various categories of feminism respond to gender inequality

  4. Illustrate the gender socialization process
    Assessment Strategies
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    Recognize various agents of gender socialization
    Describe how the family is instrumental in gender socialization
    Analyze gender socialization across the lifespan

  5. Analyze how gender impacts social interactions
    Assessment Strategies
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    Describe the relationship between gender and friendships
    Explore the ways in which gender impacts intimate relationships
    Describe the impact of gender on the division of labor in the household as well as parenthood
    Explore the dynamics of same-sex relationships and the intersection of gender and sexuality

  6. Examine the relationship between gender, harassment, and violence
    Assessment Strategies
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    Describe how cultural definitions of masculinity contribute to crime and violence
    Identify different forms of harassment
    Explore the relationship between gender, harassment, and sexual aggression
    Analyze cultural and institutional contributions to the social problem of sexual assault
    Explore the relationship between gender and intimate partner violence Identify various contributing factors to intimate partner violence

  7. Examine gender in various institutions and systems
    Assessment Strategies
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    Exam
    Criteria
    Describe how gender impacts the workplace experience
    Explore the relationship between gender and family dynamics
    Describe how gender relates to political representation and power
    Explore how gender impacts educational attainment and experiences
    Explore media representation of gender and the impact of media influence
    Evaluate how gender, health, and health care are related
    Analyze how the United States is a patriarchal system
    Recognize past and present social changes that have led to greater gender equity and gender equality
    Relate feminism to various movements for social change